S_FIN_2022A 01/18/2022 01:03:43 PM Committee Summary

Marisa Edwards, Deputy State Auditor, introduced two audit managers, Crystal Dorsey and Brad Walcher. Ms. Edwards discussed a report of audit recommendations not yet fully implemented as of June 30, 2021 and the office's annual report (both available on the office's website. She explained the function of the Office of the State Auditor. Ms. Dorsey provided a detailed explanation of the unimplemented recommendations and talked about how the report is structured. She spoke specifically about the recommendations concerning the Department of Treasury. Ms. Dorsey and Ms. Edwards responded to questions from the committee.

Ms. Edwards continued to respond to committee questions. Ms. Dorsey pointed the committee members to all of the reports published by the Office of the State Auditor, available on their website.

Mark Ferrandino, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR), presented to the committee. He provided a slide presentation and walked through the slides in detail [Attachment A]. He spoke about the way DOR is organized and the department's performance management approach. He indicated that the department has increased its digital government services in an effort to support underserved and underrepresented communities.

Director Ferrandino continued to walk the committee through the slide presentation. He spoke specifically about increasing customer and economic benefits and employee engagement and empowerment. He then turned it over to Mike Dixon, representing the Division of Motor Vehicles, to talk about the division's goals and how they are trying to meet the goals. Director Ferrandino discussed a video he wanted to show about various advertising campaigns the division has launched. Mr. Dixon and Director Ferrandino responded to questions from the committee.

Mr. Dixon and Director Ferrandino continued responding to questions from the committee members. Tom Seaver, representing the Lottery Division, spoke about the goals of the lottery, including an online claims process and translating all lottery materials into Spanish. He responded to questions from the committee.

The presentation moved on to the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) with Dominique Mendiola. She talked about new applications to increase the provision of services to underserved and underrepresented populations. Cory Amend, representing the Specialized Business Group, which works closely with the MED, spoke about the new applications in more detail. Director Ferrandino responded to questions from the committee about translation services for various DOR functions.

Director Ferrandino spoke about in-person versus remote work and the measures the department has taken to compromise between collaborative work and employee safety. He responded to questions from the committee.

The committee continued to question Director Ferrandino.

Director Ferrandino showed a few more slides and concluded his presentation.

The committee took a brief recess.

Treasurer Young spoke about the measures the department is taking to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion and about the department's remote work policies. He responded to questions from the committee about unimplemented audit recommendations.

Treasurer Young continued responding to questions about the department's FY 2022-23 budget request. He discussed several special projects underway at the department. He responded to questions and comments from the committee.

Ron Baker, Executive Director of the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA), spoke about PERA's various functions and mission. He discussed the financial health of PERA and responded to questions from the committee.  He provided a slide presentation [Attachment C].

Mr. Baker continued to respond to questions from the committee. Amy McGarrity, PERA Chief Investment Officer, discussed PERA's investment performance in 2020.

Ms. McGarrity responded to questions from the committee.