Finance Committee questions audit costs and double billing practices

The Treasure County Commissioner Meeting held on January 6, 2025, addressed several key financial concerns and operational issues facing the county. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the county's audit process and the associated costs, which sparked significant debate among the commissioners.

One of the primary topics was the payment to the auditing firm, which some commissioners questioned. Concerns were raised about the necessity of paying for services that appeared redundant, particularly since county employees had already completed much of the required work. A commissioner expressed frustration, stating, "I thought you girls had closed the books. I don't know why we're paying somebody to close our books when the work is done here." This sentiment highlighted a broader concern regarding the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the auditing process.

The discussion also touched on the specifics of the audit bill, with commissioners noting that they had previously approved only certain fees. There was a call to hold off on payment until further clarification could be obtained regarding the charges, particularly those related to the conversion of documents into different formats. One commissioner pointed out that the auditing firm was charging for converting files to Excel, suggesting that the county's software should be able to handle this without additional costs.

Additionally, the commissioners debated the format in which documents should be submitted to the auditors. There was a consensus that sending documents in PDF format should suffice, as it is widely accessible and prevents unauthorized edits. The conversation underscored the need for clear communication and expectations between the county and the auditing firm.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to seek further clarification on the audit charges and to ensure that future submissions to the auditors align with the county's operational capabilities. The commissioners emphasized the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility while ensuring compliance with auditing standards. Overall, the discussions reflected a proactive approach to managing county finances and improving operational efficiency.