State & Local Reports

The legislative auditor commissioned a study to gauge the use, effectiveness, and benefits of telework as it was used by the West Virginia executive branch in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. PERD staff surveyed the 139 state agencies to gain an understanding on the transition to telework. One hundred twelve (112) agencies responded. PERD also interviewed nine state agencies to obtain details on their telework experience as they returned to the workplace.

PERD’s objectives were to provide information on the unprecedented number of unemployment claims filed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the amount paid in fraudulent claims, and the causes for many fraudulent claims being paid. WorkForce West Virginia paid nearly $83 million in fraudulent unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of unemployment claims processed by WorkForce increased from 52,816 in CY 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 457,399 in CY 2020. WorkForce’s claims process was not designed for the unprecedented number of claims received, and the allowances of self-certification of federal pandemic unemployment assistance program claims.

The objective of this report was to review the OCME's current methods for retaining remains and any legal authority it may have to plan for their disposition. Current operating procedure is to store remains with evidentiary value in frozen storage and those without evidentiary value as cremated remains, but no written policy and procedure exists. Both unidentified and unclaimed remains must be retained indefinitely by the OCME at its main facility. The Legislative Auditor concludes that the OCME lacks adequate statutory authority to arrange for the final disposition of decedent remains in its long-term custody.

PERD’s primary objective was to assess the Bureau of Senior Services’ response to a January 2014 PERD report recommendation to consolidate 10 ADR Centers into 1 ADR Center. One ADR Center, operated by the Bureau from its administrative office in Charleston, would free an additional $225,000 to $305,000 in lottery funds annually for other services the Legislature deems beneficial to citizens of the state (W. Va. Code §29-22-18). Reducing the number of ADR Centers to one does not reduce the State’s capacity to streamline access to the service that is primarily supplied via the telephone.

The Legislative Auditor directed The Performance Evaluation and Research Division (PERD) to evaluate allegations, pursuant to Chapter 4, Article 2, Section 5 of the West Virginia Code, after PERD received complaints from the public and licensees stating that the Board was not following W.Va. Code which requires a public hearing or public comment period be held when the Board adopts new editions of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). A legal opinion determined that a public hearing or public comment period is required prior to adoption of an amended version of USPAP. After review, the Board has not complied with W.Va. Code since 2009.

The objective of this review was to determine if the Hospital Finance Authority has internal controls to ensure compliance with state rules and W. Va. Code. The Authority is at a higher risk for fraud and abuse because the agency cannot properly segregate duties with one employee nor provide adequate employee oversight. The Hospital Finance Board has not established control activities for operational processes, resulting in non-compliance with the State Travel Rule, improper leave use, and overpayments to the State Treasurer’s Office.

The objectives of this update are to determine to what extent the DOA responded to the eight recommendations made in the September 2015 PERD report on the GSD, and to assess the agency’s overall financial condition as of fiscal year 2021. PERD found that while the GSD is moving in the right direction, and its financial situation is improving, the legislative auditor anticipates the GSD will be under financial stress for several years, unless there are significant increases in lottery revenues, or state appropriated funds.

The objective of this review is to determine if the State Police ammunition storage facilities, policies, and procedures related to the management, storage, and accounting for ammunition resources have improved since PERD last reviewed them in 1999. PERD found that the State Police maintains records on ammunition inventory, but practices have not been formalized through official policies and procedures. The State Police Academy now operates a new, rebuilt facility on the site of the old range, which exceeds the recommendations of the 1999 report.

The objectives of this review are to determine if the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists should be continued, consolidated or terminated, and if conditions warrant a change in the degree of regulations. In addition, this review is intended to assess the Board’s compliance with the general provisions of Chapter 30, Article 1 of the West Virginia Code, the Board’s enabling statute, and other applicable rules and laws such as the Open Governmental Proceedings and purchasing requirements. Finally, it is the objective of the Legislative Auditor to assess the Board’s website for user-friendliness and transparency. PERD finds the regulation of the barbering and cosmetology professions, as well as salons, is needed to protect the public; however, several options exist for the regulatory structure that may improve its operation.

The objective of this review was to determine the status of the Office of Drug Control Policy’s strategic plan. PERD’s analysis of the 2019 Substance Use Response Plan draft found that it does not adequately address the mandated requirements to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use. The goals, strategies, and objectives of the 2019 SPlan lack specific, measurable performance benchmarks with which to gage adequate progress towards meeting the mandate of reducing the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse and smoking by at least 10 percent.