Auditors find Greg Smith-run agency operates without approved budget, violating law

A public agency that spends about $1 million a year and is managed by a state legislator has operated without an approved budget, violating Oregon law, according to a recent audit.

The Columbia Development Authority, formed in 2014 and based in Boardman, hasn’t taken steps required of virtually every local government in Oregon. Auditors found that it has no budget committee, hasn’t held public hearings or provided public notice about its spending as required by…