07/19/2008
from the Kennebec Journal
Finding shelter for those who serve their nation
Immigrant recalls her special greeting
State gains $85M in Homeland Security funds
Man arrested after swerve toward cop
School unit in limbo
Rain? What rain?
LEE LATCHES ON WITH THOMAS
Modern camping equipment takes it to the extreme
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
Civil War-era flag finds honored position
Residents wonder if the rain will ever go away
FAIRFIELD Sewage plant rejection irks man
Winslow's fireworks guy doesn't mind the obscurity
At holiday derby, the fun is catching
Vets' champion 'very passionate' about her work
Hersom deals with change
Sandals work for outdoor types
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
The Legislature's Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability released a report recently that concluded better cash management could result in the department keeping $2.6 million annually that would have otherwise been overpaid to community groups that provide human services.
Also, better collection efforts of overpayments would result in "a one-time infusion of $960,000 from full collection of balances already owed," according to the report.
The report also found:
* Financial data for decision makers was lacking, but improvements are being made.
* Appeals of cost settlements take time and money, and may be avoidable.
The department planned to spend $187 million in fiscal year 2007 and $185 million in fiscal year 2008 on agreements with community-based providers, according to the report.
In a written response to the report, DHHS Commissioner Brenda Harvey wrote the department has established an accounts-receivable group in charge of collecting money owed to the department.
She also noted staffing continues to be an issue.
"An ongoing challenge has been the limited number of people available to do the work," she wrote.
The Government Oversight Committee, a group of legislators that oversees the state's program evaluation office, will take public comment on the report at 10 a.m. July 30 in Room 202 of the Cross State Office Building.
Susan Cover -- 623-1056
scover@centralmaine.com




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