12/18/2019
State Auditor Nicole Galloway today released an audit of the Barry County Collector. The report received an overall rating of good.
"During a transition, it's helpful to review the processes in place and identify any areas that need improvement," Auditor Galloway said. "I'm pleased to see the new collector appears to be making changes to address our findings."
The audit recommended better documentation of receipts to ensure the method of payment is accurately recorded and reconciled. Improved processes will reduce the risk of loss or misuse of funds.
Additionally, the audit found the county commission and county clerk do not adequately oversee the activities of the county collector's office to ensure annual settlements are accurate and complete. The report found settlements for 2019 and 2018 did not include about $90,000 in private car tax receipts and did not accurately report amounts the county planned to remove from the books.
Missouri law requires an audit be performed when a vacancy occurs in a county collector office. Janice Varner resigned as collector on June 30, 2019. Skyler Bowman was appointed to the position and was sworn into office on July 17, 2019.
The complete audit of the Barry County Collector can be found here.
