County audit reveals 2000 inactive courthouse key cards and 11 recommendations issued

The Milwaukee County Committee on Audit convened on March 3, 2025, to discuss the status of recommendations from an audit on the courthouse access key card program. The meeting, held in Room 203-R and live-streamed for public access, featured a report from Jennifer Folliard, the Comptroller's Director of Audits.

Folliard highlighted findings from an audit conducted in August 2024, which revealed significant issues with the management of access key cards issued to courthouse employees. The audit identified that nearly 2,000 key cards were still active without any association to current county employees, raising concerns about security and access control.

The audit made 11 recommendations aimed at strengthening the policies surrounding the key card program. These included establishing better monitoring procedures and internal controls to ensure that only active employees retain access. Folliard noted that the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is in the process of replacing the existing key card system, and the recommendations are expected to enhance the new system's effectiveness.

As of the meeting, all 11 recommendations remain open, with ongoing efforts from facilities management to implement them. The management team was present to address any specific questions regarding their progress.

The discussion underscored the importance of maintaining secure access to the courthouse and ensuring that internal controls are in place to prevent unauthorized access. The committee's continued oversight will be crucial as the DAS moves forward with the new key card system.