This is one of the most sensitive issues I have encountered as Auditor of State, and the boards have provided valuable insight on how to best convince local governments to update and maintain their accounting records. Families and Children's First Councils . A board member initially raised accountability concerns over these newly-created councils for coordinating social services in counties. Consequently, we have initiated financial audits of all the councils, as well as helped draft legislation to encourage maximum accountability within the councils. For example, I used the last round of quarterly meetings to clarify my beliefs that local governments can benefit from the adoption of outside audit committees.
Board members can then better explain the audit committee concept to peers from their area.
We have recently appointed new regional advisory board members to two-year terms, including several original members who have offered to serve again. I encourage any government officials or managers with audit concerns to contact board members from their regions. Sometimes outside views can help clear up issues. These regional advisory boards, with their wealth of auditing and accounting experience, are a source of information we should all keep our eyes on.