Audit shreds Marine Board


State auditors found that the Oregon Marine Board has “a frequent disregard for state rules and policies and a casual attitude towards expenditure of public funds.”

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State auditors found that the Oregon Marine Board has “a frequent disregard for state rules and policies and a casual attitude towards expenditure of public funds.”

The audit points to a long list of problems that occurred under former Director Paul Donheffner, ranging from overly generous spending on meals and lodging for board members and staff to contracting rule violations to the questionable manner in which Donheffner left the agency.

The Marine Board oversees recreational boating in Oregon — registering and titling vessels, setting statewide regulations and promoting safety. It’s run by a five-member board, which appoints a director to manage a staff of about 40. Its $18 million annual budget comes mainly from motorboat fuel taxes, registration fees and federal grants.

In a letter, new Director Scott Brewen said he plans to clean up the agency’s act and institute strict spending and contracting guidelines.

Read more at OregonLive.com.

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