Report I2014-1 Recommendation 16 Responses
Report I2014-1: Investigations of Improper Activities by State Agencies and Employees (Release Date: December 2014)
Case Number I2012-0086
Recommendation #16 To: Water Resources Control Board
Establish a formal policy for recycling its surplus state property. This policy should include a strict prohibition against obtaining cash for recycled state property and a requirement that staff log all recycling activities so that its accounting office periodically can reconcile those activities with accounting receipts. The policy also should include specific instructions regarding who may engage in recycling activities and detailed procedures for carrying out those responsibilities, starting with identifying the need to recycle state property and ending with delivering the recycling proceeds to the accounting office.
Agency Response From July 2015
The Water Board finalized its policy regarding the recycling of surplus state property. The policy prohibits the receipt of cash from recycling activities, specifies the employees who may engage in recycling activities, provides detailed procedures for recycling surplus state property, and requires employees to log their recycling activities. In addition, the policy specifies that check payment, receipts, and property survey reports must be submitted immediately to its accounting office.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Fully Implemented
Agency Response From May 2015
The Water Board reported in March 2015 that it completed a draft policy for recycling surplus state property. It stated subsequently that it is still reviewing and revising the draft policy to ensure that it includes procedures to be used by its staff throughout the State.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Partially Implemented
Agency Response From February 2015
The Water Board reported that it is still establishing its policy for recycling surplus state property.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Pending
Agency Response From November 2014
The Water Board stated that it plans to establish a formal internal policy for recycling surplus state property. This policy will include but not be limited to procedures to follow when recycling surplus property, such as who may perform this task, the documentation required, and the receipt and accounting for proceeds from the surplus property recycling activities. The Water Board also stated that it plans to provide training to the appropriate administrative managers and staff to make sure they are aware of, and follow, the new internal policy.