September 2007

Performance Audit of Albemarle Mental Health Center

The audit was conducted by the State Auditor of North Carolina at the request of the Pasquotank Board of Commissioners. Both parties sought to review Albemarle Mental Health Center's use and administration of government funds. The audit period included Albemarle's activities between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006. The auditors conducted interviews with organization staff, board members, and current and past county commissioners and reviewed financial records and local statutes.

The auditors identified operational issues that affected Albemarle's ability to provide quality mental health and substance abuse services. In particular, the auditors noted the following: The area program director and his special assistant were paid a salary excessive in relation to other mental health professional or government officials. Albemarle improperly used state and federal funds to pay for the directors salary as well as lobbyist expenses. Contracts for services may have been available to Albemarle at little or no cost.