Audit Committee Meeting | September 15, 2026

Audit Committee Meeting Recap: September 15, 2026

The County’s Audit Committee convened on September 15, 2026, to review internal and external audit processes, focusing on ensuring responsible financial management for our community. The meeting was attended by all committee members and representatives from Baker Tilly, the County’s internal audit firm, as well as Alderman Jenkins, conducting the external financial audit. No public comments were received during the meeting.

A primary focus of the discussion was the ongoing internal audit, being conducted by Baker Tilly. The committee received an update on their risk assessment process, which is currently underway through a stakeholder survey distributed last week. Initial results are expected in November, with the proposed internal audit plan slated for review and approval in December. The audits themselves are anticipated to begin in January 2027, prioritizing high-risk areas identified through the assessment. Baker Tilly acknowledged potential challenges in gathering sufficient survey responses, noting that they will leverage industry best practices and interviews to ensure a thorough risk assessment even with limited data.

The committee also received an update on the external audit, conducted by Alderman Jenkins, currently in its fourth year of a five-year contract. A key development discussed was the extension of the state audit deadline to December 31st, with a County goal of presenting the completed external audit to the Commission before year-end. The external audit will concentrate on several high-risk programs, including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), FEMA disaster relief funds, and a bridge replacement project. Notably, the TANF grant is now considered a high-risk program under federal guidelines, requiring annual auditing. The committee was also briefed on upcoming changes to financial reporting standards (GASB 103) that will impact the County’s financial report, specifically the Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) section.

Perhaps the most significant discussion centered around a restructuring of the Tourism Development Authority (TDA). The TDA’s financial operations have been separated from the County's, with a greater emphasis on utilizing a nonprofit organization for marketing and sales activities. This change aims to improve accountability, transparency, and clarify roles within the TDA. The committee was informed that this year serves as a "test year" to evaluate the new structure, and potential restatements of balances for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 may be necessary. Committee members emphasized the importance of increased communication and transparency regarding TDA operations moving forward.

What's Next?

Several key action items emerged from the meeting, impacting residents and County operations:

• Complete the Survey: County staff and committee members are encouraged to complete Baker Tilly’s stakeholder survey by the end of this week. Your input is crucial for shaping the internal audit plan.
• Internal Audit Plan Approval: The proposed internal audit plan will be presented to the committee in December for final approval.
• External Audit Completion: The external audit is expected to be completed and presented to the County Commission before December 31st, providing a comprehensive review of our finances.
• TDA Monitoring: The County will closely monitor the TDA’s financial reporting processes as part of this restructuring, ensuring a smooth transition and improved transparency.

This meeting underscored the County’s commitment to responsible financial oversight, with ongoing efforts to strengthen internal controls and ensure accountability across various departments. The changes impacting the TDA are particularly noteworthy, aiming to provide greater clarity and transparency in how tourism funds are managed. Citizens can expect further updates on these matters as the audit processes progress and the TDA restructuring is evaluated.