A Lexington lawmaker is seeking to place Kentucky’s area development districts under the same oversight rules governing other state agencies. Susan Westrom says state statutes have not progressed as the 15 area development districts have become responsible for more tax money. “A review of the statutes creating and establishing a structure for the operation of the ADDs reveals that the current language falls short when it comes to oversight and transparency for entities that are now handling millions and millions of dollars,” said Westrom.
Among other things, the legislation filed Friday bans bonuses or any other one-time payments to any ADD employee, protects whistleblowers, and requires ADDs to follow federal and state procurement statutes. She says reviewing each ADD without legislative guidance is difficult. “That’s why it’s so vitally important for our cabinets that have oversight and are the ones who subcontract, they are the ones that really need to be on top of everything to make sure the funds are used appropriately,” Westrom explained.
Westrom says the legislation is partly aimed at detecting mismanagement issues like those found two years ago in a state audit of the Bluegrass Area Development District.?
