Audit Committee Special Meeting | Feb. 27, 2026

Audit Committee Meeting Recap: Strengthening County Financial Oversight

On February 27, 2026, the Audit Committee convened a special meeting to address critical decisions regarding internal audits and fraud prevention within the county. The meeting, attended by members of the Audit Committee, focused on finalizing key contracts and approving budget allocations aimed at bolstering financial oversight and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. This recap provides a clear overview of the discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents interested in understanding how their local government is working to ensure responsible financial management.

The committee's primary focus was the approval of a three-year contract with Sherry Becker for internal audit services. Following discussion about the scope of work, which includes risk assessments, audit planning, and establishing a fraud hotline, the committee voted to recommend this contract to the full Board of Commissioners. The initial investment for this fiscal year is estimated at $40,000, representing a vital step in strengthening the county’s ability to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Beyond contract approval, a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and approving the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (beginning July 2026). After careful consideration of county needs and priorities, the committee voted to recommend a revised budget of $370,000 to the Board of Commissioners – an increase from the initially proposed $300,000. This increased funding will support a range of initiatives designed to enhance financial accountability and transparency.

Beyond budget and contract approvals, the committee engaged in important discussions regarding operational details. A key point of discussion centered on the management of a new fraud hotline, clarifying that initial intake and investigations will be handled by county staff, with potential escalation to Sherry Becker for more complex cases. Recognizing the importance of public awareness, committee members emphasized the need for education and outreach to encourage residents to utilize the hotline as a resource. The committee also received an update on the county’s plan to implement Origami ERM, a new software module for enterprise risk management supporting Green Book implementation. The initial investment is $44,688 with an annual ongoing cost of $28,750.

Looking ahead, the Board of Commissioners will review and vote on both the Master Services Agreement with Sherry Becker and the proposed $370,000 budget next week. Following approval, a kickoff meeting will be scheduled to facilitate relationship building between Sherry Becker and county staff. Residents can expect an annual audit committee report presented to the full Board of Commissioners, providing ongoing transparency into the committee's activities and findings. The county’s commitment to implementing the Green Book for enterprise risk management, supported by Sherry Becker and potentially expanded roles within the Risk Management team, underscores a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks. Ultimately, these actions demonstrate a dedication to strengthening the county’s internal controls, fraud prevention efforts, and overall financial management practices – benefiting all residents through responsible stewardship of public funds.