An independent audit of Bakersfield College and the Kern Community College District found no improper mishandling of campus construction projects as alleged by a complaint filed with the Kern County grand jury, according to the final auditing report.
The results of the audit conclude that BC and the district had appropriate management of the three major construction projects on campus: the Child Development Center, the Student Services building seismic retrofit and the new Olympic-size pool.
While BC did not break any rules, the district failed to properly document its construction practices or adhere to deadlines and time extensions as stated in their contracts, according to the audit, the district should also improve procedures for recovering costs of electricity used by contractors.
Former Kern County Superintendent of Schools Kelly Blanton and Bakersfield businessman Ray Dezember were chosen to coordinate the $24,500 independent audit, which was conducted by MGT of America, an independent management consulting firm.
Blanton said the only instances that were found not to be in compliance were on small projects.
“The audit shows no money was missing, and no projects were started and abandoned, just that proper documentation has to be made,” said Blanton.
The audit was made as a result of Bill Rush, BC director of facilities planning and construction management, complaining to the Kern County grand jury in April. Rush alleged that misappropriate handling of campus construction projects were made when contractors failed to reimburse BC for electricity used on projects and did not adhere to fines imposed by their contracts for completing a project beyond the set deadline. Rush also accused BC of illegally splitting bids on projects to avoid state laws.
Rush was placed on paid administrative leave in May after contacting the grand jury. This prompted him to also file a complaint with the State Personnel Board. In an interview with The Bakersfield Californian, he alleged he was put on administrative leave because of his complaint to the grand jury.
Rush returned to work in July.
He and his attorney, Dee Stasnopolis, refused to comment on audit’s findings.
“Anyone has a right to complain,” said Blanton. “The fact that he was an employee who had some direct responsibility in that area made it more imperative to check.”
Blanton suggested a program be implemented like the one used by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office. The Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, under the direction of the state, would oversee the district and their practices.
Blanton said had this type of team been used in this instance, the administration would have been warned before hand of proper handling.
Michele Bresso, director of marketing and public relations, said college officials would adhere to the recommendations in the audit. BC is establishing procedures to monitor payment of prevailing wages and project managers will also start keeping proper paperwork, she said.