In an report released this week, Metro Auditor Suzanne Flynn praised the effective management of three Oregon Zoo construction projects funded by a 2008 bond measure, and commended Metro and zoo staff for their hard work.
Today’s report is a follow-up to a 2009 audit undertaken to ensure the zoo could effectively implement the $125 million bond measure approved by Metro-area voters in 2008. The first audit found that the zoo lacked adequate staff and controls to manage multiple, complex construction projects, but the new audit noted progress.
Based on an in-depth review of three zoo projects funded by the bond — a new veterinary medical center, improvements to the penguin exhibit and a new water main building — the new report noted effective management of project costs, improved oversight and accountability, well-organized project files, and many more improvements.
"We are very pleased with the results of this report, and proud of the way the zoo’s bond projects are progressing," said Kim Smith, Oregon Zoo director. "We are committed to seeing the rest of the projects through in similar fashion, delivering on the promises made to voters and remaining careful stewards of public resources."
"Metro and zoo staff worked hard to make needed improvements quickly," Flynn said in a statement. Of the previous audit’s seven recommendations, she noted, six have already been implemented satisfactorily.
Thus far, the audit noted, Metro and the zoo have:
- Ensured cost-management processes were in place before committing to large-value construction contracts.
- Improved project cost estimating.
- Developed processes for managing schedules.
- Developed a consistent system to maintain bond project documentation.
- Clarified organizational structure by clearly delineating roles, responsibilities and lines of authority.
- Clarified the role of the finance and regulatory services department in providing financial oversight to capital projects.
Metro and the zoo have also made steady progress toward implementing the auditor’s final recommendation: establishing a periodic reporting mechanism that provides the bond’s citizen oversight committee and Metro Council with current and accurate information on project cost, schedule and variances.