01/05/2017
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway says a team of auditors is on-site in the northeast Missouri city of Edina, where a regularly scheduled audit of Knox County is underway. The county's most recent audit found several county funds in poor financial condition, with expenses exceeding income several years in a row.
"Recent reviews have identified concerns related to lax oversight and the need for additional safeguards to protect taxpayer dollars and public investments in Knox County," Auditor Galloway said. "Although previous concerns will be taken into consideration, I have directed my staff to begin an independent review of county finances and operations. This audit will be both thorough and fair, and at its conclusion, I hope to report back to the residents of Knox County that improvements have been made to better serve them and their fellow citizens."
The 2012 audit directed the county to address issues related to inventory oversight and record-keeping after a sheriff's deputy was arrested for stealing property from the department. The former deputy pleaded guilty to felony charges.
The report also recommended the county improve tracking and oversight for rock and other materials purchased by the road and bridge department.
These and other issues will be reviewed during the course of the audit. Individuals with information for consideration in the audit of Knox County may contact the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or 800-347-8597.
