Missouri Auditor Gives Department of Conservation “Good” Rating, Recommends Transparency Improvements

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has released an audit of the Missouri Department of Conservation, giving the agency an overall “good” rating while recommending improvements to transparency and internal procedures. The report finds the department is generally well managed and largely following state law. However, the audit identifies several areas where policies, oversight, and transparency practices could be strengthened.

“With the level of autonomy the department has over how its funds are used, this audit was conducted to provide accountability and transparency for taxpayers,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am encouraged to see the department is in most regards well managed and following the law, but there are some areas where the department can improve.”

One finding notes the Missouri Conservation Commission does not clearly identify its workshops as being open to the public and does not maintain detailed minutes from those sessions. While the workshops are separate from regular open meetings and are generally informational, auditors say more detailed disclosures and access to discussions would improve public transparency.

The audit also found inconsistencies in how the department applied its salary policy when promotions created pay inequities. In one case, salary adjustments were made for some employees but not others in the same job title, while additional raises were given to employees in an unrelated job classification, which did not align with departmental policy.

Another finding indicates the department needs stronger oversight to ensure proper documentation is maintained under its Agriculture Crop Policy and Procedures Manual. Auditors say the department currently does not consistently verify required documentation or conduct adequate supervisory review. The report also found problems with documentation and compliance related to the department’s timber sales checklist. According to auditors, some required steps outlined in the Sale of Forest Products Manual were not consistently followed.

Finally, the audit notes the Department of Conservation Employees’ Benefit Plan Board of Trustees has not fully implemented several recommendations from a previous audit. Those include allocating the proper share of personnel costs to the benefit plan trust fund and evaluating long-term liabilities related to other postemployment benefits. Auditors say the findings are intended to help the department strengthen internal controls and improve transparency moving forward.