The Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General has issued the Agriculture Revolving Fund Funding Sources and Usage inspection report. This report addressed the objective of whether the Fund monies were allotted and used in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
We found that over six years, from 2016-2021, Agriculture did not receive $4,125,000 in funds from the General Fund and Tourism Revolving Fund as mandated by law: (i) $2,125,000 from the General Fund, and (ii) $2 million from the Tourism Revolving Fund.
This occurred because Agriculture was not allotted its 2016 – 2018 General Fund appropriations, and agency officials did not always request their budgeted allotment. They also did not make timely requests for their annual Tourism Revolving Fund allotment.
As a result, the Department was inhibited in its ability to meet its yearly objectives and further its mission. They did, however, properly use allotted funds.
We recommended that Agriculture:
- ensure that the appropriate department employees are aware of the funding mandates and the policies and procedures for obtaining those funds.
- initiate timely requests to OMB for the funds appropriated and mandated by law. To view the report, click here.