10/12/2017
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released an audit of Maries County, located in central Missouri. The report, which included an overall performance rating of fair, included multiple concerns that had been identified in previous audits.
"Audits are a tool to help improve processes and ensure that government is serving taxpayers with efficiency and transparency," Auditor Galloway said. "It is frustrating when concerns are repeatedly disregarded. I urge Maries County officials to implement these recommendations and make improvements to government operations."
The audit found the county has imposed two sales taxes that, when combined, exceed the maximum allowed by state law. This concern was identified in previous audits, and the county commission attempted to address the issue by changing the statutory authority listed in the notice of election when one of the sales taxes was renewed. However, the change was done improperly. County officials should closely evaluate applicable legal requirements before submitting the sales tax to voters for renewal.
The report also identified a lack of oversight within the property tax system and the county's capital asset procedures. The need for better procedures in these areas was previously identified in the past five audit reports.
Other concerns identified include the need for increased oversight and improved procedures in the sheriff's office and commissary.
A copy of the complete audit report is online here.
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