State Audit of Schooner Ernestina Commission Finds Problems

An audit of the commission that oversees the operation of the Schooner Ernestina has found several problems.

The routine audit by State Auditor Suzanne Bump's Office found that the Schooner Ernestina Commission under the Department of Conservation and Recreation failed to keep adequate documentation of a credit of as much as $50,000 from a contractor. The matter stems from lead that was onboard the schooner which is under repair in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The DCR responded to the audit, saying it did not take into consideration the accounting method that was used to process and pay for the lead which is being used for repairs. Auditors say that DCR has not provided any documentation to substantiate the response.

The audit also stated DCR failed to file budget and business plans on time, and urged the department to be more mindful of deadlines.