| Public Release Date: October 27, 1995 | No. 95-46 |
During its existence, the Telecommunications Access for Communications-Impaired Persons (TACIP) Board operated two programs that enabled communication-impaired individuals to access the state's telecommunications network. One programs was the equipment distribution program. This program distributed specialized telecommunication devices to eligible communication-impaired individuals. The other program was the Minnesota Relay Service. The relay service allowed communication between Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) individuals and hearing individuals. The TACIP Board was abolished by Laws of Minnesota 1995, Chapter 190. The law transferred responsibility for both of the TACIP Board's programs to the Department of Public Service as of July 1, 1995.
Our audit scope included a review of the board's surcharge revenues and significant board expenditures. We reviewed expenditures to the TACIP Board's major vendors, including the Deafness Education and Advocacy Foundation, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Administration. We also examined the process used to close out the TACIP Board's financial activities and transfer its responsibilities to the Department of Public Service.
We concluded that the Department of Administration properly distributed and deposited the correct amount of telephone access line surcharge revenue into the TACIP Board's account. The surcharge amounts did not exceed the maximum amount outlined in Minn. Stat. Section 237.52, Subd. 2.
We found that the TACIP Board had properly executed agreements with its major vendors. We also found that the TACIP Board properly encumbered funds for these agreements prior to making any payments on the contracts and that it paid the vendors the proper amounts. Finally, we found that the TACIP Board complied with Minn. Stat. Section 237.52, Subd. 5(2), which limits TACIP Board administrative expenditures.
The TACIP Board properly concluded fiscal year 1995 financial activities and transferred its responsibilities to the Department of Public Service.
