New county policy defines auditor access to records, staff say

Erin Kelber told the board that Policy 213 (Auditor Records Access) is a new administrative policy that establishes access requirements for the elected county auditor. "This policy establishes the access requirements that enable the elected county auditor to effectively perform audit and oversight functions as authorized by the Washington County Charter and Oregon Revised Statutes," she said.

Kelber said the policy ensures the auditor has timely access to employees, information, records and property necessary to conduct performance audits and evaluate program effectiveness. She framed the policy as a clarification of existing authority and a measure to support independent oversight by the auditor. The presentation noted the policy was prepared to be consistent with applicable law and county charter provisions.

Board members did not object during the discussion and thanked staff for the work compiling the policy updates. Further administrative steps and any formal adoption timetable were not specified in the public session remarks.