FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2012
Contacts:
Chris Wiseman, General Manager, (719) 924-0151, Chris.Wiseman@ag.state.co.us
Christi Lightcap, Dir. of Communications, (719) 924-0154, Christi.Lightcap@ag.state.co.us
Colorado State Fair Audit Complete
Changes in Store to Assist in Generating & Managing Fair Dollars
PUEBLO, Colo. – The Office of the State Auditor has completed its performance and financial audit of the Colorado State Fair. The report highlights three recommendations in light of a $380,000 lost for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2011.
“Overall, we’re pleased with the results of the audit,” said Colorado State Fair General Manager, Chris Wiseman. “Every year we strive to provide educational opportunities to the half-million fans that attend the Fair, but that doesn’t always provide a high revenue stream; we are constantly working to balance our mission to support youth and agriculture with the need for a positive bottom line.”
Colorado State Fair Audit
The report outlines the results of a financial and compliance audit and evaluates progress in implementing prior audit recommendations. The audit also looked at those items recommended from the prior audit. Of those five recommendations, the first three have been implemented and the final two are ongoing. (page 10)
The Office of the State Auditor serves as the government watchdog for the citizens of Colorado. Audits focus on reducing costs, increasing efficiency, improving the quality of services, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information.
The 41-page document, and prior Colorado State Fair audits, are available by visiting http://www.leg.state.co.us/OSA/coauditor1.nsf/ReportPublicDept?OpenForm&Start=1&Count=900&Expand=2&Seq=1.
Page 3: Recommendation Locator
Page 4: Fair Background
Page 11: Independent Auditors’ Report
Page 17: Budgetary Highlights
Page 20: Statements of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net Assets
New Committees
Colorado State Fair commissioners have created two committees to assist in managing State Fair funding sources.
- Corporate Partnerships: A new position is being added to research, develop, and manage corporate partnerships.
- Colorado State Fair Foundation Committee: This committee will oversee the State Fair Foundation which was created to help offset the losses incurred by supporting FFA and 4H, which typically accounts for $340,000 annually.