According to a recent audit, the Arkansas Governor’s office may have violated laws by purchasing a $19,000 lectern. The audit, conducted by the state’s Legislative Audit Division, found that the purchase was not in compliance with state law and did not follow proper procedures. The lectern was reportedly purchased in April 2018 without going through the required competitive bidding process.
The audit also raised concerns about other purchases made by the Governor’s office, including $42,000 spent on Capitol furniture without proper documentation. Additionally, the audit found that the Governor’s office did not maintain adequate records to justify thousands of dollars spent on travel expenses.
Governor Asa Hutchinson responded to the audit findings by pointing out that the purchases were made by a previous administration and that his office has since implemented stricter guidelines to prevent similar violations in the future. He also emphasized that the lectern was a one-time purchase and is being used for official state events.
The audit findings have raised questions about transparency and accountability within the Governor’s office. State officials have vowed to address the issues raised in the audit and ensure that taxpayer funds are being properly managed.
The audit results have sparked criticism from some lawmakers and citizens, who are calling for more oversight of government spending. The Governor’s office has acknowledged the need for improvement and has pledged to work towards greater compliance with state laws and regulations.
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