First audit of Clay County requested by residents is released, examines clerk’s office
Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway’s office on Monday released the first of several audit reports on Clay County government, which citizens requested in 2018 amid suspicion about waste and wrongdoing by county officials.
Monday’s audit report examined the Clay County clerk’s office, which is run by Megan Thompson. The audit gave the clerk’s office a “good” rating, indicating it’s well-managed. The audit turned up few findings that required recommendations, which have been — or will be — carried out.
The clerk’s office responsibilities include, among other things, collecting fees for permits. The audit found that some cash register receipt slips could not be accounted for and some receipts were not sent to the Clay County treasurer within a week.
The audit said procedures should be followed to avoid potential misuse of funds.
“Citizens requested my office take a comprehensive look at county operations in an effort to hold their government accountable,” Galloway said in a statement. “This is the first of several reports that will be issued as that work continues. We found some areas in need of additional checks and balances in the county clerk’s office. It appears the office is working quickly to implement the recommendations.”
In a response, the clerk’s office said it had already adopted preventative measures recommended by the auditor.
“Every elected officeholder in charge of taxpayer money should welcome the transparency of independent audits and public oversight,” Thompson said in an email to The Star. “We were happy to receive the second highest possible rating and implement some additional proactive measures to further reduce the chances of something bad happening in the Clerk’s Office.”
Audit work is continuing for the sheriff, collector and recorder offices, as well as the county’s elected three-member commission.
The audit was requested by Clay County residents, more than 9,000 of whom signed a petition to invite scrutiny from Galloway’s office of suspected waste and corruption.
The Clay County Commission sued Galloway’s office in 2019, challenging her office’s authority to do a performance audit of county government. Clay County lost that lawsuit and Galloway has since sued to enforce subpoenas for records and testimony.
