Lawmakers accept Wildlife explanation on critical audit

Friday, Sept. 4, 1998 | 9:54 a.m.

Auditors said the Wildlife Division didn't hold Systems Consultants to contract requirements that the company submit financial statements, buy liability insurance and get a bond to protect the state from any losses.

"Given the impact the game draw has on the hunters of Nevada and that approximately $9 million a year is processed by the contractor, it makes good business sense to include a bonding requirement in each contract," auditors reported Thursday.

But Wildlife Division Administrator Willie Molini told a legislative subcommittee that the audit found no evidence of any missing money and that all unaccounted hunting tags have been found.

Molini said his staff reconciled all but $122 of the $37 million in fees handled by Systems Consultants for the state since 1992. He said the $122 represented a surplus, not a loss.

The Legislature's Audit Subcommittee quickly accepted his explanations - including his pledge that the Wildlife Division adopt all recommendations suggested by the auditors. Auditors mainly want the division to get regular reports on System Consultants' handling of state money.

"We are working with the contractors to implement all recommendations," said Molini, who retires Sept. 25 after 16 years as administrator of the division. "We hope to do it within six months."

Pete Morros, director of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said the division's contract with Systems Consultants expires in December 1999. Then bids will be sought for a new contract.

"Everything has been accounted for," added Morros, who supervises the division.