Madison County board votes to seek forensic audit after delays in prior audits

Chair Sherry told the board that the county received the signed fiscal 2023 audit late and that delays have carried findings forward into later years, complicating the treasurer’s office work and limiting the board’s ability to act. She said she wants an RFP for a full forensic audit "to find out exactly what's going on with our finances" and to put it out for bid alongside the annual audit work.

Board members debated whether the state auditor might perform the work or whether an independent firm would bid; the transcript records concerns about politicization of audits and that past audit findings included non-financial items. One board member cited the approximate price the county had been quoted previously for an annual audit—"$100,000"—as context for potential costs. The chair said the RFP will define what the county expects from a forensic audit and will be placed on the agenda next week for board feedback.

The board agreed to pursue both solicitations and to schedule a follow-up special session on July 14 to review audit findings. "I would like to do an RFP for a full forensic audit," Chair Sherry said during the meeting. The motion to proceed with RFP language and outreach passed as the board sought bids that could address fiscal 23–25 concerns and help deliver a clean slate for the incoming board.