The Legislature appropriated $3,966,667 in general funds to the Department of Economic Development to design, construct, and promote the Mississippi Pavilion at the Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans and finance a portion of the Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama Rail Transit.
PEER found that the pavilion was widely acclaimed, tastefully designed, and enthusiastically supported by artisans, corporate donors, and a dedicated group of workers on site.
While the exhibit was a positive effort, critical financial management and accounting procedures were deficient or nonexistent. Until a deficit appeared probable, management operated without budget controls. Petty cash procedures were inadequate, resulting in unnecessary and hazardous handling of currency. Pressures of expedience resulted in violation of state purchasing statutes, undocumented expenditures and a lack of precision.
This report reviews pavilion expenditures as of December 31, 1984, and contains six recommendations which should be considered should the state be requested to support a similar endeavor with public funds in the future.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.