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Multiple Agencies

A Review of Financial and Performance Audit Reports of Certain Mass Transit Authorities

Report Number 97-074

July 1997

Overall Conclusion

Our review of the mass transit authorities' financial and performance audit reports concluded that no material weaknesses exist in the accounting and operations of these entities.

Key Facts and Findings

Two mass transit authorities (Corpus Christi and Dallas) do not have formal procedures for tracking and monitoring the status or implementation of recommendations made by external independent auditors. One authority (Houston) has formal procedures; however, not all audit findings are resolved in a timely manner.

Three members of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, (Houston) Board exceeded the eight-year term limit by one year or more. Board members of the Austin and Corpus Christi mass transit authorities complied with term limitations as prescribed by the Texas Transportation Code.

Section 451.066(a) of the Transportation Code places spending limitations on the Houston mass transit authority. During any five-year period, Houston may not spend more than 7 percent of its sales tax revenue and interest income on trails, streetlights, or drainage improvements. Our audit found the Houston mass transit authority to be in compliance with the 7 percent restriction.

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