Audit Committee Meeting | June 16, 2026

Audit Committee Meeting Recap: June 16, 2026

The Audit Committee convened on June 16, 2026, to discuss ongoing audits and a significant shift in the county's internal audit function. This meeting focused on ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective risk management for county operations, impacting all residents.

A primary focus of the meeting was the transition to Baker Tilly as the county's outsourced internal audit provider. Representatives from Baker Tilly, Chris Califatis and Stacey, presented their firm's experience in public sector auditing, emphasizing their expertise in fraud forensics and enterprise risk management. The committee engaged in a discussion about the desired level of collaboration, ultimately agreeing on a hybrid approach that combines formal quarterly meetings with monthly email status updates from Baker Tilly. This aims to foster a strong working relationship and ensure the committee remains well-informed about audit progress and findings. Baker Tilly will now begin collecting data and conducting surveys to understand the county’s risk environment, sharing planned questions with the committee beforehand.

Beyond the internal audit transition, the committee received an update from Mason regarding the ongoing external audit. He noted a state-imposed extension of the submission deadline to December 31st, highlighting key areas under scrutiny including GASB 103 (financial reporting changes) and web accessibility standards. A shift in financial responsibilities for the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was also discussed, with their accounting functions now managed internally by county staff.

The meeting concluded without any public comments received. Several key action items were identified to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing oversight. Baker Tilly will share the presentation slides from the meeting, and county staff will provide them with contact information for all Audit Committee members. The committee chair, Bill Bacristi, underscored the importance of building a strong partnership with Baker Tilly to maximize their value and support the committee’s oversight responsibilities. Chris Califatis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Baker Tilly's commitment to a strategic partnership focused on providing meaningful insights.

In essence, this meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening the county’s internal audit capabilities and ensuring financial accountability. Residents can expect increased transparency and proactive risk management as Baker Tilly integrates into the county's operations, supported by ongoing oversight from the Audit Committee. The committee will continue to monitor the external audit process and address any emerging financial reporting challenges, ultimately safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring responsible governance.