An audit of the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) has uncovered serious flaws in the way the department handles its budget. Conducted by an independent third party, the audit highlighted “erroneous information and incorrect calculations” in budget requests spanning four years.
As a result, nearly three dozen changes were recommended to improve CDOC’s financial management.
Key Findings from the Audit
The audit, which spanned multiple years, found numerous issues with CDOC’s budgeting approach. According to the report, CDOC’s budget requests contained “inaccurate, incomplete, and inconsistent” information.
The department’s method for calculating its caseload changed without proper justification, and its staffing formula was outdated, leading to $29 million in unbudgeted expenses in 2024. Additionally, the department’s clinical staff costs doubled last year, even though 30% of positions remained vacant.
One of the major concerns was CDOC’s inflated operational costs and the mismanagement of its cash funds. The audit also pointed out that the department underestimated key expenses, such as staffing, while overestimating others, like utilities.
This led to confusion among budget writers, who struggled to determine the department’s true needs and the impact on the state’s overall budget.
Response from CDOC Leadership
Moses “Andre” Stancil, the executive director of CDOC, acknowledged the audit’s findings during a presentation to the state’s Joint Budget Committee. He agreed with the report’s recommendations and recognized that CDOC’s budgeting approach is unlike any other prison system in the country—though not in a positive way.
State lawmakers, particularly Republican Rep. Rick Taggert of Grand Junction and Republican Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer of Weld County, expressed frustration with CDOC’s approach. “Everything has been such a fluid mess over the years,” said Taggert.
Kirkmeyer noted the lack of transparency and accuracy in the department’s financial management, calling it a “flawed approach.”
The Call for Faster Action
While CDOC has stated it cannot implement all the audit recommendations until November of next year, lawmakers are urging the department to act more quickly. “This isn’t time to pack the car; this is time to get on the road and go,” said Sen.
Jeff Bridges of Greenwood Village, the chair of the Budget Committee. Bridges emphasized that the findings, while concerning, provide the necessary information to address the department’s budget problems, calling it a step toward “good government.”
CDOC is expected to meet with Governor Jared Polis’ office to discuss implementing some of the audit’s recommendations in the current budget year. However, given that Polis is term-limited and will leave office in 2026, it remains to be seen how much change can be achieved during his final years in office.
The audit of the Colorado Department of Corrections paints a troubling picture of the department’s financial management, highlighting numerous budgeting errors and inefficiencies. While CDOC has agreed to make changes, lawmakers are pushing for quicker implementation.
The audit’s findings serve as a wake-up call, and lawmakers are determined to fix the department’s financial issues, ensuring the state’s resources are used efficiently in the future.