11/02/2017 - Jefferson City, Mo.
Missouri State
Auditor Nicole Galloway today released an audit of Texas County located in
southeast Missouri. The report, which received an overall rating of poor,
details questionable spending by the Collector-Treasurer for personal items, an
issue that was highlighted in the past audit.
"Taxpayers
deserve transparency and accountability with every cent of their money,"
Auditor Galloway said. "These are not just numbers on a page; they are
real dollars from citizens who work hard for their paychecks. Even the
appearance of questionable spending is unacceptable."
The
report details $6,800 in questionable purchases by the Collector-Treasurer from
the county's Tax Maintenance Fund over a two and a half year period. Purchases
included more than $3,500 for a cell phone plan and data overages. During the
period reviewed, the majority of calls and texts made from the cell phone were
for personal use. The Collector-Treasurer also purchased cable television
service including movie channels for a breakroom used primarily by her and her
staff, and grocery items like shot glasses, various snack items, fresh produce
and bird seed using these funds. These questionable purchases occurred even
after similar concerns were reported in a prior audit.
The
audit also identified changes to dates in the property tax system for 14 tax
bills reducing penalties, commissions and fees that should have been assessed
for late payments. The County Collector-Treasurer's office did not document and
could not adequately explain the reasons for the changes. This issue was also identified
in a past audit of the county.
The
report also identified several other repeat findings in offices of the Sheriff,
Public Administrator, Prosecuting Attorney, and County Assessor. The report
also included recommendations for improvement by the County Commission, County
Clerk, and Recorder of Deeds.
A
complete copy of the Texas County audit is here.
