Moniteau County audit in progress

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway announced last week her office has started a regularly scheduled audit of Moniteau County.

Moniteau County Presiding Commissioner Kenneth Kunze confirmed the audit has been ongoing for several weeks.

The county received an overall performance rating of "fair" during its most recent audit in 2013.

"Recent reviews found several funds in poor financial condition and recommended procedures to improve the operations of county government," Galloway said in a news release. "This audit will serve as an independent review of the county's processes and finances. I look forward to sharing the findings with the residents of Moniteau County."

The 2013 audit noted the county's general revenue fund, special road and bridge fund, and capital improvement fund balances were in poor condition.

Moniteau County voters approved a half-cent sales tax in 2002 to maintain and improve roads and bridges as well as the county courthouse and jail; however, the fund hadn't kept pace with projections because of transfers made to the general revenue fund for county operations and other purposes, the California Democrat reported in July 2013.

The 2013 audit, performed under the tenure of former State Auditor Tom Schweich, also noted the county budgeted a $3,780 deficit for the year, according to the California Democrat report.

Issues with property tax procedures drew auditors' attention as well, as the 2013 audit found property tax collections and distributions did not balance.

Other concerns reported in the 2013 audit included inadequate records for capital assets and vehicles, lack of sufficient fuel and mileage records, and insufficient computer security controls.

Individuals who want to provide information for consideration in this or any audit may contact the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at [email protected] or by calling 800-347-8597. Concerns may also be submitted anonymously online at auditor.mo.gov/hotline.