Houston City Controller Annise Parker today announced a 13% increase in funding for performance audits. The increase will allow the controller's audit division to conduct 50% more performance audits in Fiscal Year 2006, as compared to FY 2005. The Controller is able to free up additional funding for the audit division through belt-tightening in other areas as opposed to an overall increase in the budget for her office.

Four of the five scheduled performance reviews will focus on specific programs and operations within the police department and the department of public works and engineering. The fifth performance review will consist of an independent assessment of the overall performance of the Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“The majority of City taxpayer dollars and fees go to fund public safety and public works operations so it just makes sense that we dedicate the bulk of our audit budget to identifying more effective and efficient ways of delivering these services,” Controller Parker said.

Auditors will review police officer work hours, giving special attention to several divisions including the Investigations Command. Hours worked will be compared to productivity factors that include number of arrests made, charges filed and cases cleared. Recommendations will be made to help improve policies and management controls and help identify adequate staffing levels. A performance review of the Safe clear program is also planned. However, due to the recent court ruling on the legality of the program, this may be put on hold.

At the public works department, the audit team will review the budget, staffing levels and implementation schedule of the automated meter program. “Approximately 12,000 automated water meters cannot be located,” according to Controller Parker. “These meters must be located so the city can stop the flow of free water to thousands of customers.” Auditors will also study the implementation of storm drainage improvements to the Texas Medical Center and various other neighborhoods. “Houstonians are paying higher water and sewer rates; our review will determine if they are getting their money's worth,” said Ms. Parker.

With voter approval of Proposition 3 last November the controller's office won the independent authority to conduct performance reviews of all city departments, agencies and programs

In addition to the performance reviews, the FY 06 audit plan includes contract compliance, revenue enhancement and follow-up audits.

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