Unconventional Spending Under Scrutiny: How North Carolina Colleges Used Mental Health Funds
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the allocation of mental health funds by North Carolina colleges has gained attention due to some unexpected expenditures. The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) has released a special report addressing these expenditures.
Following the hurricane, the North Carolina General Assembly allocated $16.75 million to the North Carolina Community College System, with $1.25 million earmarked for “Expanded Mental Health Support” (EMHS) aimed at students and staff impacted by the storm. The OSA’s Rapid Response Division evaluated the spending of these funds across three community colleges, highlighting some unusual purchases.
“Financial resources tend to become entangled in a web of spending when disaster strikes, which is why our office is working to bring transparency to how hurricane relief funds are spent,” stated State Auditor Dave Boliek. “By keeping lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public informed on hurricane relief spending, we can continue to improve how North Carolina responds to natural disasters.”
The funds were used for various items like succulents, stress balls, and guided birdwatching sessions. Some specific expenditures included:
- Blue Ridge Community College used $10,570 on 800 wellness journals and $1,651 for succulents and pots.
- Gaston College allocated $5,223 towards 2,000 rhinoceros-shaped stress balls.
- Wilkes Community College spent $350 on birdwatching and wildflower observation at W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir.
- Funds at Wilkes Community College also covered pizza, gift cards, and event materials for a “Sobriety Bowl” event.
The OSA report also pointed out deficiencies in procurement documentation and controls, which could lead to unauthorized purchases and improper payments. The review revealed that EMHS funds were also used for counseling sessions, workshops, and student assistance programs.
OSA recommended classifying expenses that do not align with EMHS objectives under alternative funding categories, rectifying accounting errors, and enhancing pre-approval and vendor controls. Community colleges responded to the report, with two institutions agreeing to reclassify certain expenses, and Blue Ridge Community College committing to restrict EMHS funds strictly for mental health services.
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