AIDB Receives No Findings Audit from Public Examiners

AIDB Receives No Findings Audit from Public Examiners

 

            The Department of Public Examiners released the 2008-09 audit of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind last week, indicating that no findings or questionable costs were reported for this period. The no findings audit is the fourth such report in six years.

 

            AIDB’s financial management system is unique, encompassing government/business, manufacturing and educational components, explained David Akins, Chief Financial Officer. “There are no other agencies in the state like AIDB,” said Akins, “and it presents a different challenge for examiners as they review our multi-faceted financial system.” Examiners generally spend three to four months doing field work and compliance testing on site at AIDB, then release their audit after an additional month or more of review.  

 

            “We are committed to meeting the highest standards of accountability in fiscal management, to be good stewards of the state and federal tax dollars entrusted to us,” Akins said.

“A no findings audit is a team effort and it starts with leadership.  Dr. Terry Graham has made it his goal to manage AIDB utilizing the highest ethical standards.  His leadership in these key areas has not gone unnoticed by the Examiners of Public Accounts.”

 

            “Sound financial management is a priority and requires a committed leadership effort by Mr. Akins, the business services staff and the administrative team at AIDB,” said Dr. Terry Graham, President. “I commend Mr. Akins and staff for this stellar accomplishment, and for their tenacity in maintaining impeccable business practices.”

 

            AIDB receives more than 90% of its operating budget of approximately $43 million for educational programs and services through an appropriation from the State Legislature which has been reduced over the past year by 18.5 percent proration of the Special Education Trust Fund.  The total annual budget also includes more than $26 million in sales through the Alabama Industries for the Blind. Total annual payroll for 1,050 employees is approximately $37 million.

 

            Established in 1858, AIDB served more than 20,000 individuals with hearing and vision loss last year through five Talladega-based campuses and a network of eight regional centers located in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Tuscumbia.