A state audit of financial practices at the San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District in eastern San Diego County turned up no major problems, the state Controller’s Office reported Tuesday.
The investigation was launched after it was discovered that the district, which provides fire protection in areas like Rancho San Diego and Spring Valley, understated revenue by almost $558,000 in a 2010-11 financial report, and nearly $2.4 million in a document one year later, according to Controller John Chiang’s office.
However, the auditors found that 64 of the district’s internal financial controls were adequate, while one — a failure to update a strategic plan that expired June 30, 2012 — was deficient. The controller’s office recommended reviewing and updating the plan quarterly.
Dave Rickards, president of the district’s Board of Directors, contended that some of the details in the audit were inaccurate and that while the strategic plan has not been updated, equivalent actions have been taken.
He also asked that the district not be billed for the cost of the audit.
The auditors rejected his arguments.
The state controller’s office audits so-called “special districts” like those for fire protection or water. San Miguel contracts firefighting duties to Cal Fire.
— City News Service
