Haywood County Continues Trend Of Disappointing Audit Results
Photo Credit: TN Comptroller’s Office
By John B. Dunn [Director of Communications for the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office] –
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has released its annual audit of Haywood County government for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. Unfortunately, the county’s number of audit findings continues to indicate a need for improvement.
For the last two years, Haywood County has received nine findings. While five findings are new this year, the county also has four repeated findings in its fiscal year 2021 report. A repeated finding indicates county management’s unwillingness or inability to correct a finding from the previous annual audit report.
A majority of this year’s findings, including all of the repeated issues, detail deficiencies and areas of noncompliance within the county mayor’s office operations.
The four repeated findings include the Solid Waste Disposal Fund’s deficit in unrestricted net position; deficiencies in budget operations; a failure to reconcile general ledger payroll deduction accounts; and a finding that the Community Development/Industrial Park and Education Capital Projects funds had deficits in unassigned fund balances.
Other findings include purchase orders that were not issued properly, and drug court fees that were not remitted to the state in accordance with state statute. Auditors also noted that the Office of Director of Schools had deficiencies in its budget operations.
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The audit also mentions two investigations related to Haywood County government. One investigation of the former budget director is still ongoing, while another related to the Elma Ross Public Library was released in December 2021.
“Haywood County must take steps to improve its government operations,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “Last year, Tennessee counties averaged three audit findings in their annual reports. Haywood County has had nine findings for two years in a row. With new opportunities on the horizon for West Tennessee, Haywood County officials must demonstrate a commitment to strong financial management and internal controls.”
To view all Tennessee audit reports, click here.
If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454, or file a report online at: www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline.
