Commission hears update on delayed audits and discusses staffing and finance oversight

Fremont County commissioners reviewed the county’s audit status, discussed a vacant position in the finance office and raised concerns about grant oversight and timely audit completion.

County staff reported work is ongoing on the fiscal‑year 2024 audit (referred to as FY23–24) and that earlier fiscal years (2022–23) are complete. Staff said the county missed the state deadline of Dec. 31 for the audit submission and expects to provide materials to auditors with a target to complete the federal submission by March 31. The staff member cautioned that late audits increase audit risk and could affect future federal award eligibility.

Commissioners asked whether rehiring the position vacated by Joe Felix would speed audit completion. Staff replied that once audit materials are in the auditors’ hands, adding staff would not necessarily accelerate the current audit; however, the vacant position had been useful previously and could help with future workload. Staff named employees assisting: Carly, Brian and Emily, and said they are working daily with auditors and will send what they have promptly.

Separately, commissioners discussed enforcement and monitoring of previously awarded Move program funds. Some commissioners said the county needs stronger oversight and possible enforcement capacity for grant recipients; suggestions included contracting outside expertise with relevant credentials (for example, CPA or similar financial oversight) rather than informal or ad hoc arrangements.

The commission agreed to convene a finance-team meeting (vice chair, chair, treasurer, assessor and one commissioner) to develop a plan and to invite the treasurer to brief the full commission on audit and budget status at a future meeting. Staff noted federal deadlines and audit risk and recommended timely submission of materials to auditors to reduce future compliance risk.