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MEMBER NEWS

Washington State Auditor Issues Management Letter to Port of Kennewick

1/21/2022

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For the first time in 27 years Port of Kennewick has received a management letter from the Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO) following an accountability audit to ensure compliance with applicable requirements and safeguarding of public resources. 

The SAO Audit noted concerns in a letter dated January 19, 2022. That audit letter indicated reimbursing former Commissioner Barnes’ legal fees was not an allowable expense and that State law was not followed as the Commissioner seeking reimbursement should not have voted on a matter from which he directly benefitted. 

As part of the management letter the SAO is recommending the Port follow its own policy and state law; and further recommends additional legal review to determine if any further actions, such as repayment, are necessary or required by law.

The Port of Kennewick strives for a high standard of accountability and transparency and will follow the SAO’s recommendation for additional legal review. 

At the time that Commissioner Barnes requested reimbursement of his legal fees, the port sought legal review by Port Special Counsel, Steve DiJulio of Foster Garvey. He advised the port regarding this matter and prepared a resolution (#2021-08 dated May 25, 2021) which acknowledged responsibility for the reimbursement decision as resting with Commissioners.

In 2021 the port commission was comprised of former-Commissioner (President), Don Barnes—who sought compensation and voted in favor of his own reimbursement request; Commissioner (Secretary), Thomas Moak—who made the motion for repayment; and Commissioner (Vice President), Skip Novakovich—who abstained from voting after indicating he was concerned that such a vote would likely bring both legal and audit issues.  Commissioner Ken Hohenberg was not yet seated to office as his term did not begin until January 11, 2022.

The SAO Report and Management Letter will be brought to the Port of Kennewick Board of Commissioners for discussion at its next commission meeting, Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. 

Port of Kennewick commission meetings are held virtually; with information and agendas available at:  https://www.portofkennewick.org/commission-meetings/.
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Copyright © Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
7130 W Grandridge Blvd., Suite C, Kennewick, WA 99336 USA
Phone: (509) 736-0510 |  Fax: (509) 783-1733 
info@tricityregionalchamber.com
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Photos used under Creative Commons from The National Guard, Gamma Man, US Department of Education, U.S. Secretary of Defense, Tony Webster, jalexartis, Blue Mountains Library, denisbin, Baker County Tourism
  • Benton Co. Business Resource Initiative
  • MEMBERSHIP
    • Membership Directory
    • Member Login
    • Join the Chamber
    • Membership Features
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Stakeholder, Leader, & Growth Level Members
  • EVENTS
    • Chamber Calendar
    • Annual Events >
      • Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon
      • Women in Business Conference
      • State of the Cities
      • Tri-Cities Diversity Summit
      • Elected Leaders Reception
      • Tri-Cities Day with the Seahawks
      • Tri-Cities Day at the Capitol
      • Bridging Partnerships Small Business Symposium
    • Monthly Membership Luncheon
    • Business After Hours
    • Meet the Chamber
    • Ribbon Cutting Request
    • Speaking Opportunities
  • PROGRAMS & SERVICES
    • BUSINESS PROGRAMS >
      • Ask the Experts
      • Economic Gardening
      • Office Depot Savings Program
      • Small Business Incentive Program
    • Workforce & Education >
      • Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day
      • Washington Workforce Portal
    • myTRI 2030
    • Business Advocacy >
      • Public Policy Guiding Principles
      • Business Advocacy Letters
      • Session Spotlight
      • Vote for Business
      • TRI-CITIES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 2023 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
    • Ambassador Club
    • LEARN Groups
    • Washington PTAC >
      • Meet the Buyer
      • Procurement Power Hour
  • NEWS
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
    • Member News
    • Annual Report
    • eBlast Advertising
    • Email Updates
  • ABOUT US
    • Contact
    • Our Leadership
    • Our Team
    • Committees
    • Policies
    • Our Partners >
      • TRIDEC
      • Visit Tri-Cities