Audit Committee Meeting | April 21, 2026

Audit Committee Meeting Recap: Strengthening Financial Oversight in Buncombe County

On April 21, 2026, the Buncombe County Audit Committee convened to discuss critical updates regarding both external and internal audit processes. This meeting, attended by the committee members (Amanda [Chair], Martha, and others), focused on ensuring robust financial oversight for Buncombe County residents. The discussions centered around maintaining a strong, independent audit function to prevent past issues and uphold fiscal responsibility – a key priority for the committee.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the ongoing relationship with Malden and Jenkins, a regional auditing firm that has provided services since 2023. The committee unanimously voted to extend their contract for another two years, recognizing their expertise in navigating complex governmental accounting standards. The base cost of the contract will remain at $192,000 for five standard audit programs, with a potential additional cost of up to $7,000 per program if more extensive testing is deemed necessary. Committee members acknowledged and appreciated Malden and Jenkins' commitment to maintaining a flat base cost, providing valuable stability during current financial challenges. The committee also discussed the state submission process, anticipating no issues this year and streamlining the audit timeline.

Beyond external auditing, a major focus was on establishing an internal audit initiative through a partnership with Cherry Beckert. The committee approved this collaboration, which will begin with a comprehensive risk assessment of Buncombe County to identify potential vulnerabilities. Cherry Beckert will also support the county's fraud hotline, receiving reports and conducting initial investigations. Staff are currently finalizing contractual agreements with Cherry Beckert, including a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to ensure data protection and privacy. A key point of discussion revolved around ensuring the Audit Committee receives timely updates, particularly regarding significant audit findings. The committee emphasized a desire for open communication and transparency throughout the process – a response to previous concerns about audit independence.

The committee also recommended the appointment of Jennifer Young to fill a vacancy on the Audit Committee, a recommendation that will be finalized by the County Commissioners. During the meeting, Amanda, the Audit Committee Chair, underscored the importance of a strong and independent audit function. Martha, another committee member, highlighted the value of having dedicated staff who consistently question processes and champion fiscal responsibility.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. The County Commissioners will finalize Jennifer Young’s appointment to the Audit Committee. Staff will continue working through the contractual agreements with Cherry Beckert, specifically focusing on finalizing the BAA. Cherry Beckert is scheduled to begin gathering information for the risk assessment in April/May, with completion expected by June. Finally, the Audit Committee will reconvene on June 16th to review progress and receive updates.

This meeting demonstrated Buncombe County’s commitment to safeguarding taxpayer dollars through enhanced financial oversight, transparency, and accountability. The partnerships with Malden and Jenkins and Cherry Beckert represent a proactive approach to ensuring responsible governance for all residents.