A comprehensive legislative audit of the Univ. of Utah athletic department suggested that the school "do some tidying up in reporting finances, tracking inventory and facility access, and hiring and drawing up contracts for employees," according to a front-page piece by Kyle Goon of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. Ordered in February by the state Legislature's audit subcommittee, the report "recommended stronger adherence to university procedures across the board for Utah athletics." The audit found that Utah's overall fiscal practices "compared favorably to other Pac-12 institutions, particularly in how the department has handled its debt [now $4.68M] since transitioning to the conference" in '10. But amid a "fast-growing budget and skyrocketing coaching salaries, the auditors pointed to areas where Utah can secure loose ends." Noting that coaching salaries and benefits had risen, from 18% for women's soccer to 112% for baseball between '11-15, the auditors "recommended more prudent spending practices for determining increases, extensions and bonuses for coaches." The report noted that Utah's debt is "substantially less than peer institutions Washington State [$50M], Oregon State [$30M] and Cal [$25M], but suggested the department could better stay on top of its spending, particularly in travel and equipment costs, which frequently went over budget" between '11-15 (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 11/16). In Utah, Dennis Romboy notes Utah athletics generated $63.9M last year, with the football and men's basketball programs accounting for 80% of the revenue, with $42.3M and $8.4M, respectively. The department "employs 160 coaches and administrative staff, and supports 400 athletes in 18 sports" (DESERET NEWS, 11/16).
