‘Cash flying out the door’: Audit reveals many financial, inventory missteps in WV arts department

September 18, 2026 - 17:19

A recent legislative audit has exposed significant financial and inventory control failures within the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. The report, presented to lawmakers, details a pattern of mismanagement that auditors say created an environment where cash was "flying out the door."

The review found that the department failed to follow basic accounting principles for years. Investigators discovered inappropriate cash-handling activities, including the deposit of revenue into personal accounts and a lack of proper documentation for thousands of dollars in transactions. The audit also revealed that inventory controls were virtually nonexistent, leaving valuable state property and artifacts unaccounted for.

The Department of Tourism, which oversees the arts agency, has acknowledged the findings. Officials stated they are already implementing corrective measures. These steps include new training for staff, stricter oversight of cash receipts, and a complete overhaul of the inventory tracking system. The audit has been forwarded to the legislative commission for further review, and lawmakers are expected to question department leaders about the timeline for these fixes in upcoming hearings.