An audit has exposed significant deficiencies in Multnomah County's contract management practices, with problems ranging from late payments to outdated monitoring policies. Released Thursday, findings from the Multnomah County Auditor’s Office show the county has often failed to effectively oversee service provider contracts. According to KOIN, the outdated system—last revised in 2011—has not been thoroughly followed by some officials, leading to inconsistencies and gaps in contract monitoring.
With a substantial $1.2 billion budget allocated for contracts in 2023, the county's lax oversight has been spotlighted in the latest audit. As OregonLive reports, this isn't Multnomah County's first encounter with the consequences of inadequate contract monitoring, referencing an overpayment to a shelter provider due to these shortcomings. The audit highlights inefficient practices, like sending back a nearly $400,000 invoice over a nickel mismatch, causing payment to be delayed by three additional days—a blunder that could be avoided with a more robust system.
The current policy mandates annual assessments and specific follow-up actions to conduct effective oversight. Nevertheless, some department leaders were aware of the policy, while others tasked with contract monitoring were not, creating an inconsistency in its execution. "Departments have a wide variety of programs and program needs, so it is reasonable to expect that not all contracts would be monitored exactly the same way," stated Jennifer McGuirk, as reported by KOIN. McGuirk pinpointed the lack of a unified application of said policy as a root cause for monitoring discrepancies, particularly detrimental amid staff turnovers.
The issues extend to how payments are processed to service providers—most notably in cases where payments were considered very late and officials were often responsible. For the Joint Office of Homeless Services and the Department of County Human Services, it was found that around 66% of invoices were paid on time, contrasting with only about 50% for the departments of health and community justice, as per details by OPB. Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has responded with an affirmation of commitment to improvement, citing the hiring of employees dedicated to contract improvements and development of an action plan.
In the wake of the audit, recommendations have been made for developing a new policy and associated training by June 30, 2025. The audit serves as a crucial wake-up call for Multnomah County to escalate its accountability and better manage the substantial funds intended to aid in addressing homelessness, addiction, and other community services. Moving forward, the steps promised by local officials will be critical to not only mend the existing system but to reassure the public that their tax dollars are being managed responsibly—and that service providers can trust in the county's support, stability, and prompt payments.
