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Beaufort County keeps existing auditor for another year; commissioners debate rotating audits
Summary
After commissioners pulled the audit contract from the consent agenda, the board voted to accept the current auditor for an additional year amid debate over audit rotation, independence and bid costs; some commissioners urged putting audits out to bid next year.
The board voted to keep Beaufort County's existing auditing firm on contract for another year after a discussion on audit length and the benefits of rotating auditors.
A commissioner asked why the county has used the same auditor for six to nine years and cited recommendations that audit firms be changed every three years. One commissioner said it can be difficult to find qualified firms and noted the current firm offered a continuation price similar to recent audits.
The State Local Government Commission was referenced during the discussion; a county official said the commission had not objected to going a seventh year with the same auditor. Several commissioners said a fresh set of eyes — typically accomplished by rotating auditors — can produce different perspectives. The board agreed to put the audit out to bid next year while accepting the present firm's work for the coming year.
Why it matters: Audits provide independent financial review and can surface control issues or irregularities. Commissioners said periodic changes in auditors can strengthen oversight; others warned of higher costs when seeking new firms.
Action: A motion to accept the audit as presented passed by voice vote; commissioners also discussed plans to solicit bids in future years.
