A Performance Audit of the Utah Telecommunication Open ...

Chapter IVImproved Accountability WillIncrease Likelihood of SuccessThe Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency(UTOPIA) must take steps to hold its staff and business partnersaccountable for results. Although UTOPIA is pursuing a newdevelopment plan, it will not be successful unless the agency and itsbusiness partners can execute that plan. For this reason, we suggestthat UTOPIA’s board and management team adopt a number ofmanagement and financial controls that will strengthen their oversightof the agency and their ability to hold people accountable for theresults they seek.This chapter describes four steps UTOPIA should take tostrengthen its oversight and accountability:Adopt better management controls, including written plans,formal policies, and performance measuresTo improve oversightand accountability,UTOPIA should followfour steps.Adopt the financial controls commonly used by public agenciesImprove compliance with the Utah Open and Public MeetingsActStrengthen board oversight of agency operationsUTOPIA has repeatedly created ambitious plans, establishing highgoals and objectives for itself, but performance has consistently fallenshort. On several occasions, UTOPIA has developed a new strategyfor completing its network. Outside advisors repeatedly examined thedevelopment plans and each time certified that the plans are achievableand financially sound. Yet, poor execution by UTOPIA, its businesspartners, or both, has caused performance to fall short of expectations.By holding itself accountable for results and communicating thoseresults to stakeholders, UTOPIA will increase the likelihood ofachieving its goals and increasing support from its member cities.Office of the Utah Legislative Auditor General - 39 -