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Council weighs funding for multi-department performance audits; possible $250,000–$500,000 request discussed
Summary
Council members discussed a proposed performance (oversight) audit program that could cost several hundred thousand dollars; members debated scope (department-by-department vs. government-wide) and asked staff to return with an RFP and scope options for council review.
Greenville County Council members discussed plans to commission performance audits — distinct from the annual financial audit required by law — to evaluate departmental efficiency, policy compliance and potential savings.
Councilor Long said oversight committee members expect a performance audit to cost between $400,000 and $500,000 depending on scope and suggested including funding in the upcoming budget. "Because of that, I feel like it will be a significant amount...around 4 to $500,000 it could possibly be," Long said. Other councilors proposed phasing audits by department to reduce up-front cost; one idea floated was starting with a smaller allocation such as $250,000 if the audits are done in stages.
Nut graf: Council did not authorize an audit vendor or an appropriation in the workshop. Staff and the oversight committee will draft a scope and run a procurement process (RFP). The administration advised that performance audits can be performed at any time and that the cost depends on the number and size of departments selected. "The scope of it is what's gonna determine the price," a procurement/staff speaker said.
Council members said a performance audit could reveal operational improvements that outweigh the cost; others urged clear goals and metrics so the county gets value for the money. Councilor Collins asked whether a performance audit duplicates the annual financial audit; staff clarified that the annual financial audit is required by state and federal law and focuses on financial statements, while a performance audit examines efficiency and adherence to policy.
Ending: Council directed the oversight committee to refine scope options and staff to prepare an RFP and budget estimate for council consideration in the next budget cycle.
