The audit report described the division as having "a negative culture" and poor morale. Having four directors during the past five years has "brought changes in management philosophy and an increased likelihood for inconsistent decisions," it said. Internal personnel conflicts "have been on ongoing problem," it said, although it acknowledged that so far, "in spite of the conflicts, it appears the division is accomplishing its mission."

Giani said those matters have been addressed through a policy change and through methods to improve both internal and external communication.

On Friday, Giani told the audit subcommittee of the Legislative Management Committee that the recommendations in the report "will help the division more effectively accomplish their mission."

To help fix the negative culture, Giani said the division's new director is meeting with staffers to get ideas and suggestions. Policies and procedures have been changed, she said, "and attitudes, we hope, will come with that."

Senate President John L. Valentine, R-Orem, recommended to Giani that the policy and procedure changes be implemented quickly and that Giani report about them to either the interim committee or the audit subcommittee.

The audit report next will be considered by the Legislature's Business and Labor Interim Committee.

---

Contributing: Jasen Lee
E-mail: bwallace@desnews.com