State Comptroller’s Office Reports Two Findings In White Co Audit

A State Comptroller report found two findings inside White County government for the year ended June 30th, 2021.

The Office of County Clerk received one finding with the State Comptroller’s Office reviewing operations. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said the investigation has been ongoing for some three years over mishandling of money.

“I don’t want to go as far as saying there was some stolen money, because that’s for the investigation,” Robinson said. “We’re not showing. If there was any missing, it is not a large amount. We’re not showing it, but we wanted to turn it over and be open.”

Robinson said the finding will remain on White County’s audit until the investigation concludes. Robinson said the employee in question does not work for the county anymore.

The second finding was a deficit in the Solid Waste Disposal Fund. Robinson said since the county owns a landfill, it must monitor the groundwater for thirty years. Robinson said the state estimates that would cost $6 million and considers it as a liability, thus causing the deficit.

Robinson said he expects the finding to remain. Taxing residents now for a future service would be the only way to offset that cost, which Robinson said would not be considered.

“That finding will be on our audit forever,” Robinson said. “(…) I don’t think that is right to do. Taxing them and getting six million dollars in the bank for something that is going to happen 30 years from now.”