An audit recently published by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts showed the Space Science Exhibit Commission has failed to comply with multiple regulations and state laws.
The department said the financial examination was used to determine if public officers, agents, and employees with the Space Science Exhibit Commission and the Space Science Exhibit Finance Authority were properly and lawfully accounting for all money and other public assets. The two state entities are charged with governing the Space and Rocket Center.
The following instances of noncompliance were identified during the examination, which took place from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2024:
- The Commission did not properly update the Inventory Control System, Asset Works, to accurately reflect the Commission’s equipment inventory.
- The Commission failed to collect and remit gift shop sales tax.
- The Commission did not properly document meal expenses for employees.
- The Commission did not comply with the Division of Construction Management requirements and failed to retain sufficient records in order to determine the actual expenditures associated with several construction projects.
- The Commission did not properly bid goods and services.
- The Commission did not obtain and maintain appropriate adequate supporting documentation for certain transactions.
- The Commission did not comply with Section 93 of the Constitution of Alabama 2022 by making payments and donations to an employee association and a non-profit organization.
The audit also found that a former employee may have committed actions for personal gain. All allegations have since been referred to the Alabama Ethics Commission.
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