Audit Committee Meeting | Dec. 2, 2025

Buncombe County Audit Committee Meeting Recap: December 2, 2025

The Buncombe County Audit Committee convened on December 2nd to review ongoing audit progress, discuss improvements to internal financial oversight, and plan for the future. This meeting focused on ensuring accountability and transparency in how your county government manages public funds, with several key decisions impacting the way audits are conducted and internal controls are managed. The meeting was attended by members of the Audit Committee, representatives from Malton & Jenkins (the county’s external auditors), and county staff.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on an update from Malton & Jenkins regarding the ongoing annual audit. While the final report is expected later this month, auditors highlighted a concerning discovery: a $6.2 million error in the county’s asset records related to solar panel projects managed by Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools. This error, stemming from incorrectly including assets belonging to the schools within the county’s records, has been classified as a "material weakness" in internal controls. County officials assured the committee they are developing a corrective action plan to address this issue, demonstrating their commitment to rectifying the error and strengthening internal processes. Additionally, auditors noted a minor finding regarding timekeeping practices for federal programs, which the county is actively working to resolve. The committee discussed the possibility of a future presentation by Malton & Jenkins upon completion of the final audit report, which would provide further detail and transparency.

Beyond addressing current findings, a major focus of the meeting was modernizing the county’s internal audit function. The committee unanimously voted to formally adopt the "Green Book" (Government Auditing Standards) as the standard for internal control frameworks, replacing previous references to COSO. This shift aligns Buncombe County with widely recognized best practices and provides a clearer framework for internal audits, particularly as the county transitions to an outsourced contract. The committee also discussed the management and reporting structure for the upcoming internal audit contractor, emphasizing the importance of maintaining independence. Interviews with three firms vying for this contract are scheduled for December 16th, and the committee will be actively involved in selecting the most qualified candidate. Finally, recognizing the increased workload associated with these changes, discussions were held regarding the need for additional staffing to support the implementation of Green Book and potential adjustments within the internal audit function.

Looking ahead, residents can expect to see continued efforts toward improving financial oversight within Buncombe County. The committee approved the calendar for regular meetings in 2026, ensuring ongoing review and accountability. While a discussion regarding committee membership was deferred to a future meeting, the overall tone of the December 2nd meeting reflected a commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in how your tax dollars are managed. The discovery of the asset recording error, while concerning, underscores the importance of robust auditing processes and demonstrates that the Audit Committee is actively working to identify and address potential weaknesses. The adoption of the Green Book represents a proactive step toward strengthening internal controls and ensuring responsible financial management for all residents of Buncombe County.