Audubon County supervisors press for ACED funding transparency after resident letter

A letter from Meg Andersen requesting transparency on Audubon County Economic Development (ACED) spending on the Valley Business Park prompted extended discussion during the Board of Supervisors’ public hearing on May 14.

Andersen asked the board to help facilitate discussion with ACED and said the numbers provided about distributed funds were contradictory and unclear. “She said many of these questions are directed to the ACED Board but is asking the Supervisors for assistance with facilitating the discussion,” meeting minutes state.

Supervisor Doug Sorensen responded that some ACED conversations are closed because they involve private negotiations to attract businesses and explained that board appointments are on a five‑year rotation with other seats determined by funding partners. Nathan Wahlert and other speakers urged more transparent accounting so taxpayers can see how county-provided funds were spent outside the City of Audubon.

Auditor Lisa Frederiksen recommended the county require written agreements and supporting documentation any time the county provides funds to an external entity. Frederiksen said State Auditors expect backup and written agreements during audits, and suggested the board use a template for future funding arrangements.

Supervisor Heath Hansen suggested ACED appear before the board at least twice a year to report on activities funded with county dollars and improve public understanding. No formal action to change the county’s funding arrangements was taken at the meeting; supervisors agreed to pursue procedural steps to increase documentation and invite ACED to present at future meetings.

The discussion arose during the public hearing for FY24 Budget Amendment #5, which the board later adopted.