Racing Commissions in eight states were surveyed to determine where the responsibility
for security was assigned. Three out of eight Racing Commissions employ their own security or
investigative personnel. One state has a state police unit headquartered at each track for providing
background checks on licensees. The remaining four states require the tracks to maintain the
security personnel. The states, number of tracks in jurisdiction and party responsible for security
is available in Table One. Regulation of the racing industry varies between states. Louisiana,
which has the same number of tracks as West Virginia has an employee at each track who is
responsible for security.
Washington state's Racing Commission, with three tracks, has two to four security officials at
each track. New Mexico's Racing Commission, which oversees five tracks, has its own racing
investigators. Other states leave security concerns to the independent franchises, thus allowing the
industry to police itself.
Table 1 - Security Responsibilities - West Virginia Compared to Other States | ||
State | Number of Tracks | Entity Providing Security |
Arkansas | 2 | Race Tracks |
Louisiana | 4 | Racing Commission |
Maine | 2 | Race Tracks |
Massachusetts | 6 | State Police and Race Track |
Michigan | 8 | Racing Commission |
Montana | 7 | Racing Commission and Race Track |
New Mexico | 5 | Racing Commission |
Washington | 3 | Racing Commission |
West Virginia | 4 | Race Tracks |
Source: 1998 PERD survey of Racing Commissions in other states. |
Currently, all security officers at Mountaineer Race Park are hired and employed by track management. They perform shakedowns (surprise visits to check for prohibited substances or devices) and conduct the Criminal Background Checks required by statute. They also monitor surveillance from the 166 security cameras located at the track and the lodge which both house video lottery terminals. Charles Town Horse Track, Tri-State Greyhound Park and Wheeling Downs Greyhound Park requires the auditor position to perform a dual role as auditor and security officer for the Commission. Table 2 shows the job title as required by the Code and the number of employees for the four tracks.
Table 2 - Racing Commission's Staffing And Location | ||||
Job Title | Wheeling Downs | Tri-State Greyhound | PNGI Charles Town | Mountaineer Race Parks |
Racing Stewards | N\A | N\A | 2 | 2 |
Racing Judges | 1 | 1 | N\A | N\A |
Veterinarian | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
License Clerk | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Auditor | 1* | 1* | 1** | 1** |
Test Barn Supervisor | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Test Barn Worker | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Office Assistant | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Director of Security | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Inspectors | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Guards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Supervisors of Pari-mutuel | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Administrator | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Total | 3 | 3 | 11 | 9 |
* Indicates tracks where auditors are to assume the roles of license clerk and security. **Indicates tracks where auditors are to assume the role of security. Source: 1998 PERD review of information supplied by the West Virginia Racing Commission. |
Table 3 - Commission Rulings, by track and year | |||||
Charles Town PNGI | Mountaineer Racetrack | Wheeling Downs | Tri-State Greyhound | Total Rulings per year | |
1985 | 426 | 398 | 30 | 63 | 917 |
1986 | 330 | 385 | 42 | 95 | 852 |
1987 | 499 | 399 | 90 | 127 | 1,115 |
1988 | 412 | 656 | 92 | 129 | 1,289 |
1989 | 548 | 639 | 107 | 53 | 1,347 |
1990 | 532 | 638 | 56 | 77 | 1,303 |
1991 | 220 | 594 | 73 | 57 | 944 |
1992 | 324 | 520 | 63 | 48 | 955 |
1993 | 294 | 403 | 118 | 40 | 855 |
1994 | 231 | 377 | 120 | 30 | 758 |
1995 | 128 | 302 | 124 | 95 | 649 |
1996 | 148 | 252 | 79 | 43 | 522 |
1997 | 207 | 296 | 77 | 39 | 619 |
Source: 1998 PERD Analysis of West Virginia Racing Commission Rulings |
The Racing Commission changed testing laboratories and now requires horses to have blood as well as urine tested for unallowable substances in their systems. The blood tests provide far more accurate readings in identifying abnormalities such as the use of stimulates or any other drug that increase the horse's natural ability to win a race. The President of the Association of Racing Commissioners International stated in a letter to the Legislative Auditor that "Integrity is vital to the success of pari-mutuel racing and high-level drug testing is vital to achieving and maintaining integrity".
The Racing Commission's use of auditors to fulfill its security responsibilities creates a breakdown in internal and statutory controls. The auditor's role is to collect and deposit all monies and to submit reports and summaries of live and simulcast races. The primary focus of the position centers on oversight and monitoring of the pari-mutuel wagering activities, encompassing computer room operations and pari-mutuel ticket issuing machines. The auditor is responsible for the state's share of revenue. The Racing Commission's security function should: oversee the individual track's security; determine that personnel carries out its functions, such as background checks and; perform investigations into allegations of illegal activity on the track grounds. Security should also have arrest power in order to effectively enforce the laws governing racing in West Virginia..
Contracting With the WV State Police
On November 1, 1998, the Racing Commission implemented blood testing in addition to the
urine testing. The change in testing resulted in a horse testing positive for cocaine at the Mountaineer
Race Park. This offense not only violated racing rules, it was a criminal offense. The track failed to
notify any law enforcement agency of the offense. The Hancock Sheriff's department wrote a letter
dated November 23,1998 notifying the Commission of their dissatisfaction of not being notified of
the offense that had occurred at the track. If the Commission had employed the statutorial required
security officer, the properly trained individual would have notified the proper authorities and an
investigation would have been promptly instituted. (See Appendix A for the Hancock County
Sheriff's statement.)
The Racing Commission should discuss the issue of employing state troopers for security
with
the West Virginia State Police. This would provide the stewards with individuals trained in the area
of law enforcement and procedures for conducting investigations. The approach for funding this area
could be similar to the funding for troopers stationed with the WV Turnpike Authority. The Authority
reimburses for the cost of personal services, which include salary, retirement and insurance benefits
and sick and annual leave accruals. The Authority also provides transportation, office space and
secretarial personnel. We requested the state police provide PERD with a cost estimate for one
trooper stationed at each track. The cost estimate was $ 344,680 per year.
A track identifier is the individual who checks the horse's tattoo in order to assure that the correct animal is racing. It was reported to the Legislative Auditor that in October 1998, a horse was allowed to enter a race. However, the test barn determined on their check of the tattoo that the incorrect animal had raced and subsequently the identifier was terminated. The cause was determined to be human error, however without the escort from the track to the test barn being monitored, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that the horse was switched.
When the Racing Commission consolidated the position of security and auditor in the Greyhound industry, the primary focus of the position became oversight and monitoring of the pari-mutuel wagering activities. This encompasses the computer room operations, the pari-mutuel ticket issuing machines, and the environment involving patrons and their participation. All statutes and rules applicable to pari-mutuel wagering are enforced through this position, including the compilation of all statistics and data to ascertain that all pari-mutuel wagering pools.
In the thoroughbred industry, the consolidation of positions took place when simulcasting occurred on a limited basis. Simulcasting is when patrons at West Virginia tracks wager on races taking place throughout North America. Now, simulcast racing takes place seven days a week, year round. With the regular duties assigned to the auditor, there is no significant time available to perform the important and necessary security duties.
In order for the racing industry to be successful and profitable, consumer confidence is
essential. Security which is employed by the Commission provides another layer of assurance to the
wagering public and allows other Commission employees to carry out their duties effectively and with
confidence.
1978 Legislative Auditor's Report
The Legislative Auditor's Office recognized the importance of security for each track in a 1978
audit report. The audit report found that the four security inspectors employed by the
Racing Commission had a vital role and each track should be continuously
monitored to ensure consistent protection. Some alternatives which may be
considered for improving security are: 1.) Employ an additional security Inspector
at each track and; 2.) Require a periodic review of the tracks' security by an
independent investigating agency. Since 1978, significant changes have occurred in the West
Virginia racing industry. Track ownership and management has changed. Simulcast racing was
introduced and expanded. Video lottery terminals were also installed. The Racing Commission's
need for improved security is critically important to the West Virginia racing industry.
Recommendation 1:
The Racing Commission should hire security officers and investigators as required by the
West Virginia Code, as amended.
Recommendation 2:
The Legislature should consider transferring the security function to the West Virginia State
Police.
Issue Area 2: Racing Commission Employees are not receiving Annual or
Sick Leave
Employees of the Racing Commission are full time state employees and are paid a per diem
for each day of work. These employees do not receive sick and annual leave benefits that are
provided to all full time state employees because of the Commission's method wage payment. These
employees are members of the state retirement system (PERS) and participate as members in the state
insurance program (PEIA).
The Division of Personnel's Legislative Rules 15.3(d) Coverage states;
30-day emergency, per diem, student, seasonal or 90-day exempt employees shall not
accrue annual leave...Annual leave accrued by provisional, intermittent, irregular part-time
and temporary (appointed from the register) employees shall be computed in proportion to
hours worked during the pay period not to exceed the full time work schedule of the
employer.
The Legislative Auditor's Office reviewed the personal services expenditure schedule required
by the Legislative Auditor's Office and found that these employees are listed as full time equivalents
(FTE) and their wages are listed as salaries and not per diems. Also, the expenditure schedule of
benefits listed that thirty employees were covered by the $331,553 to be paid in fiscal year 1999,
however, the employees will not earn and accrue sick leave or annual leave during this same time
period.
State Retirement and State Insurance Programs Definition of Employee
The West Virginia Public Employees Retirement Act, Chapter 5, Article 10, Section 2(6), an
amended, defines an employee as:
any person who serves regularly as an officer or employee, full time, on a salary basis, whose
tenure is not restricted as a temporary or provisional appointment, in the service of, and
whose compensation is payable, in whole or part, by any political subdivision, or an officer
or employee whose compensation is calculated on a daily basis and paid monthly or on
completion of assignment...
In addition, the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Act, Chapter 5, Article 16, Section
2(4) as amended defines employees as...
any person, including elected officers, who works regularly full time in the service of the state
of West Virginia...
Work Schedule of Per Diem Employees
The Commission's employees are required to be at the track for each day of racing and each
track is required to have at least 210 days of racing per year. State employees who receive sick and
annual leave benefits work approximately seven to eight hours per day, 240 days per year. The
Legislative Auditor's Office could not acquire data for the number of hours worked for those days
because the employees are not required to complete any time record for hours worked. The
Legislative Auditor issued a report in 1986 recommending time sheets be submitted
for employees in accordance with the West Virginia Labor Commissioner's
Administrative Policy. This apparently was not implemented or it was
discontinued.
Cause and Effect
The Racing Commission chooses to pay certain staff a per diem instead of the state bi-monthly salary. This wage payment method deprives these employees from receiving the same benefits allowed other full time state employees.
These employees suffer loss of wages when it is necessary for them to be off work. The long
term effect occurs when employees qualify for retirement. The typical full time state employee who
receives sick and annual leave may apply accrued leave to pay insurance premiums when they retire.
State employees may also apply accrued leave to increase their years of service which increases their
monthly annuity. The lack of sick and annual leave has a detrimental impact for the Racing
Commission's state employees. The Legislative Auditor is concerned that the integrity of racing is
jeopardized by the lack of benefits. Since employees cannot take a vacation or see a doctor without
diminishing their pay, a situation exists where Commission employees may become vulnerable to
unethical influence.
Recommendation 3:
The West Virginia Racing Commission should change the current per diem employees to bi-
monthly, salaried employees so they are able to accrue to sick and annual leave.
Recommendation 4:
The Racing Commission should require all employees to complete time sheets.
Recommendation 5:
The West Virginia Racing Commission should train other employees to substitute for
stewards and judges in the event that an absence is unavoidable.
Issue Area 3: The Racing Commission Lacks The Necessary Controls
For Revenues And Expenditures For The WV Breeder's Classic
West Virginia Code §19-23-13, as amended, gives the West Virginia Racing Commission
authority to expend excess moneys from unredeemed horse racing pari-mutuel tickets as purse money
in any race conditioned exclusively for West Virginia bred or sired horses. The West Virginia
Breeder's Classic race began in 1987. In 1987 through 1997, $300,000 of excess unredeemed
pari-mutuel funds were transferred into a separate account and were used for promotional activities
and purses for stakes races for the West Virginia Breeder's Classic. Beginning in 1997, video lottery
proceeds established in §29-22A-10 of the Code allows the first $800,000 deposited into the separate
account "shall be used by the commission for promotional activities, advertising, administrative costs
and purses for the West Virginia thoroughbred breeders classics..."
The Breeder's Classic has received funding from two sources: First, prior to September 1997, the Unredeemed Pari-Mutuels Account provided funding. The unredeemed pari-mutuel money shall be deposited into a special account established under section §19-23-13 of the Code. §19-23-13(a) states in part:
All such moneys shall be deposited by the racing commission in a banking
institution of its choice in a special account to be known as "West Virginia
Racing Commission Special Account-Unredeemed Pari-Mutuel Tickets".
A second source of funding, beginning in July 1997, came from the video lottery. West
Virginia Code §29-22A-10(6), as amended, gives the Breeder's Classic one per cent of net terminal
income to be used for purses. §29-22A-10(6) states:
The West Virginia thoroughbred breeders classic shall receive one percent of the
net terminal income which shall be used for purses. The moneys shall be
deposited in the separate account established for the classic under section
thirteen [§19-23-13], article twenty-three, chapter nineteen of this code;
That Code section, §19-23-13(6), states:
beginning on the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred ninety-seven,
those funds deposited into the separate account previously dedicated solely to
the West Virginia thoroughbred breeders classic...
WV Thoroughbred Breeder's Classic Local Bank Account Questioned
The separate account as required by §29-22A-10(6) and §19-23-13(6) for the lottery proceeds is titled WV Thoroughbred Breeder's Classic and is maintained in a local banking institution in Martinsburg. (West Virginia Racing Commission has 33 separate accounts in various banking institutions. See Appendix A). The Code is clear in §19-23-13(a) that allows the Commission to establish a local bank account in a "banking institution of its choice" for depositing unredeemed pari-mutuels. However, the Code [§19-23-13(6)] does not specify the lottery proceeds for the Breeder's Classic be deposited into a "banking institution of its choice". The Code states the moneys will be deposited into a "separate account".
The Legislature used explicit language, specifically "banking institution of its choice" authorizing the Commission to establish other local bank accounts. The statute's silence regarding the depositing of lottery proceeds into a local bank account for the Breeder's Classic leaves the Legislative Auditor questioning the use of a local bank account. The Legislative Auditor believes the lottery proceeds for the Breeder's Classic should be deposited into a state account established by the State Auditor's Office.
Costs for Promotional Services Questionable - Lack of Written Contract or Agreement
The Code §19-23-13(6)(A) provides $800, 000 for expenditures for the Thoroughbred
Breeder's Classic. The Code states in part;
eight hundred thousand dollars deposited in the separate account...shall be used by the
commission for promotional activities, advertising administrative costs and purses for the West
Virginia thoroughbred breeders classic...
The West Virginia Racing Commission issues checks from the local bank account for the
Breeder's Classic expenditures. The checks are signed by the Commission Chairman and Executive
Secretary. Checks are issued for Breeder's Classics Purses and for promotion and broadcasting of
the Breeder's Classic Races.
The Legislative Auditor reviewed meeting minutes, bank records and canceled checks to determine; (1). the Commission approved an agreement or contract pertaining to the WV Breeder's Classic, LTD., a non-profit corporation; (2.) the amount of agreement and specifications for reimbursement of expenditures and; (3). if reimbursements for expenditures exceeded what was approved by the Racing Commission.
The review of the documents indicated there is no grant agreement or contractual agreement in place between the Racing Commission and the WV Breeder's Classic, LTD. The WV Breeder's Classic, LTD. is reimbursed for: salaries; rent; administration costs; air time for advertising; business travel and entertainment; association dues; office supplies and expenses; subscriptions; postage; and taxes. This corporation submits invoices and receipts to the Racing Commission with its requests for reimbursements. Without a written grant agreement or contractual agreement between the West Virginia Racing Commission and the WV Breeder's Classic, LTD., the Legislative Auditor is unable to determine the appropriateness of these reimbursements for expenditures. If these reimbursements for expenditures were under the oversight of the State Auditor's Office, reimbursement would not be approved without a written agreement specifying criteria for allowable expenditures.
The Director of the Department of Administration's Purchasing Division informed the Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Tax and Revenue on June 27, 1997 that:
"...funds [which] are distributed to the Breeder's Cup group for the purpose of sponsoring a
race(s) is not required to be processed through the Purchasing Division. We view this transaction as
a Grant..." According to the Purchasing Procedures Manual, Section 1.9F, a grant permits a state
agency to receive or direct funds to another organization with specific instructions defined by
the originating agency as to how the funds are to be utilized. The state agency granting the funds
must not receive a finished deliverable product, or receive a direct service benefit.
The state Code, as amended, does not give the West Virginia Racing
Commission the authority to issue grants. However, meeting minutes from September 9,
1997 state that "All advertisements and promotions for the West Virginia Breeders Classics must
conform to the required state purchasing procedures." The 1998 Purchasing Manual states:
All grants that are issued to 'non-profit' or 'not for profit' entities shall be processed by using a
grant contract. On the WVFIMS cover sheet, the grant should be identified as Class IV, an
unlimited dollar amount transaction. This cover sheet will be attached to the contract and invoice.
The order must clearly be labeled a "GRANT."
The West Virginia Racing Commission has failed to conform to required state purchasing procedures,
even though the necessity of conforming to them was discussed in meetings. No contract has been
produced by the West Virginia Racing Commission for review by the Legislative Auditor. Purse
money is paid directly to the host track (PNGI Charles Town Races) by the Commission. The race is
aired on the ESPN network. Promotional fees for the Breeder's Classic were paid for in yearly
reimbursements to a non-profit corporation, West Virginia Breeder's Classics, LTD. beginning in
September 1995. Amounts and dates of reimbursements are listed in Table 4.
Table 4 - Reimbursements To WV Breeders Classics, LTD. | |||
Date | Check Number | Amount | Supporting Invoices |
2/7/95 | 1095 | $55,000 | None |
3/6/96 | 1512 | $98,037 | None |
1/16/97 | 1541 | $129,159 | None |
1/22/98 | unknown | $183,330 | Yes |
3/17/98 | 4 | $11,657 | Yes |
9/8/98 | 106 | $10,938 | Yes |
9/24/98 | 108 | $142,840 | Yes |
Total | $630,961 | ||
Source: 1998 PERD analysis of Racing Commission documents. |
Review of Minutes And Correspondence
The Breeder's Classic, LTD. group works in conjunction with the track management's Racing
Secretary Office by setting up the conditions for the Breeder's Classic races, set up the program and
set entry and nomination fees. The first request by WV Breeder's Classic, LTD. for reimbursement
of expenses incurred in August 1990. According to the West Virginia Racing Commission's
Director of Audits:
This reimbursements of requests began in 1990 or 1991. [The WV Breeders Classic, LTD.]
submitted invoices to the Racing Commission requesting reimbursements for expenses in
connection with the Breeder's Classic. In a letter from the Director of Audits to the
president of the WV Breeder's Classic, LTD., dated August 22, 1990, the Director states:
Since the Racing Commission is the steward and overseer of this three hundred thousand
dollar annual fund and is a state agency subject to the state's guidelines on making
expenditures for goods and services and hiring personnel, it cannot reimburse the [non-profit
corporation] for their expenditures.
In a letter from the president of the WV Breeders Classic, LTD. to the Chairman of the West
Virginia Racing Commission, dated March 25, 1991, the president states:
As you are aware, [the Director of Audits] will not reimburse us for money spent unless you
advise him to do so. Therefore I am asking your help to get whatever needs to be done
completed so that everybody will be satisfied.
The Commission decided to reimburse these requests beginning in 1995 against the advice of
its Director of Audits. There is no written contract or grant agreement between the West Virginia
Racing Commission and this non-profit corporation. The following is an excerpt from the December
18, 1987 Racing Commission meeting minutes:
A thorough discussion was then held relative to the West Virginia Breeder's Cup and its
continuance in the year 1988. After thorough discussion of all matters, upon motion duly
made, seconded and carried, it was resolved that $250,000 from the unredeemed pari-mutuels
account be allocated for the Breeder's Classic for the year 1988, and the Chairman was
directed to communicate this information to [name deleted], President of the West Virginia
Breeders Classic, LTD.
It is not clear in the minutes what role the non-profit organization would take in the Breeder's Classic.
According to meeting minutes from January 9, 1989:
A thorough discussion was held relative to the West Virginia Breeder's Cup and its
continuance in the year 1989. After a thorough discussion of all matters, upon motion duly
made, seconded and carried, it was resolved that$250,000 from the unredeemed pari-mutuel
account be allocated for the Breeders' Classic for the year 1989.
No discussion referred to the non-profit corporation in this or following years. During the March 9,
1990 meeting, the Commission held a discussion relative to the Breeders' Classic. "It was resolved
that...and $250,000 for the Breeders Classic and $50,000 for ESPN would come from the
unredeemed pari-mutuels account." Again during the January 10, 1991 meeting:
A thorough discussion was then held relative to the West Virginia Breeders' Cup and its
continuance in the year 1991. After a thorough discussion of all matters, upon motion duly
made, seconded and carried, it was resolved that $250,000 from the unredeemed pari-mutuel
account be allocated for the Breeders' Classic for the year 1991. Also $50,000 will be
allocated for the ESPN for the Breeders' Classic race for 1991.
No mention is made in the minutes of this meeting of the WV Breeders Classic, LTD.'s March 26,
1991 request for reimbursement.
During the September 9, 1993 Commission meeting, the WV Breeders Classic, LTD. was
again mentioned. Recorded meeting minutes show that:
A discussion was then held on the West Virginia Breeders Classics. Upon Motion duly made,
seconded and carried it was agreed that Joseph Cuomo, Director of Audits would prepare a
letter to Mr. [name deleted], President of the WV Breeders Classic, LTD. on the estimated
amount of money that will be available next year.
During the January 18, 1995 meeting, the Racing Commission's discussion on invoices
submitted by the non-profit corporation's president were incomplete. Apparently, the Commission
did approve $55,000 for the ESPN fee. The amount of the check to be submitted by the
Commission, to the WV Breeders Classic, LTD. is unclear.
During the April 23, 1996 Racing Commission meeting:
The WV Breeders Classic, LTD. submitted a letter stating intention to expend $142,500.00 for
advertising and promotions for the 1996 event. Upon motion, seconded and carried, it was
directed that a letter be sent stating that a detailed breakdown of the amount is required
before the Racing Commission can further consider the matter. Also, no expenditures can be
made or reimbursed unless all state bidding and/or purchasing requirements are met, as well
as subjecting all proposed expenditures to the Racing Commission for prior approval.
The April 1996 Racing Commission meeting is the first time the Commission discussed state
requirements for purchasing. It is also the first time the Commission requested documentation from
the WV Breeder's Classic, LTD. for reimbursement of expenses in meeting minutes. The meeting
minutes state several times, that thorough discussions were held regarding the Breeders Classic,
however, the content of these discussions were not recorded.
Conclusion
The funding for the West Virginia Breeder's Classic Races provides the thoroughbred industry with a racing program where the purses paid to winners range from $35,000 to $150,000. The expenditures that are reimbursed to the WV Breeder's Classic, LTD. are currently questionable due to the Commission's failure to enter into an agreement or contract with the WV Breeders's Classic, LTD. detailing what cost will be reimbursed. The Racing Commission has taken some action to account for these reimbursements by requesting a budget for the year of 1999 from the Breeder's Classic, LTD. However, the Racing Commission needs to determine: what type of agreement is needed (grant, contractual and professional or promotional); the types of allowable costs to be reimbursed to WV Breeders Classic, LTD. and; the maximum amount the WV Breeders Classic, LTD. will be reimbursed for their services. All state agencies are required by the State Purchasing Division to have written agreements or contracts that clearly state what is expected by the vendor when the amount exceeds $10,000.
The Code [§19-23-13] allows the use of a local banking institution for the unredeemed
pari-mutuels funds. The Commission has interpreted that the video lottery proceeds also qualify to be
deposited into a local banking institution. However, the Legislative Auditor believes the Code does
not authorize the lottery proceeds dedicated to the Breeder's Classic be deposited into a banking
institution of its choice. The funds should be deposited into a state account established by the State
Auditor's Office .
Recommendation 6:
The West Virginia Racing Commission should immediately comply with the West Virginia
State Purchasing Division's rules and enter into a written agreement with the West Virginia
Breeders Classic, LTD. The Racing Commission should contact the Purchasing Division of
the Department of Administration to determine if the promotional services rendered by the
West Virginia Breeders Classic, LTD. qualify as a sole source vendor. If the services
provided by the vendor do not qualify as a sole source, then the Racing Commission should
be required to seek bids for the services.
Recommendation 7:
The West Virginia Racing Commission should promulgate Legislative Rules pertaining to
promotional expenditures for the West Virginia Breeders Classic or any other expenditures
for stakes races paid from any funds controlled by the Commission.
Recommendation 8:
The Racing Commission should immediately close the local bank account for the Breeder's
Classic funds and transfer the balance and any future proceeds into a state established
account with State Auditor's Office.
Recommendation 9:
If the Legislature wishes for the Racing Commission to be allowed to deposit the lottery proceeds
for the Breeder's Classic into a banking institution of its choice, then the Legislature should
consider amending §19-23-13(6) to so allow.