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Council amends internal auditor job description, agrees in principle to waiver that would allow auditor to audit council activity
Summary
The council approved an updated internal-auditor job description (resolution 1-52-2025) with an amendment to broaden acceptable bachelor’s degrees and discussed proposed changes to the county code (Chapter 13) that would allow the auditor to audit council office activity if the council waives a current prohibition.
The Wicomico County Council unanimously approved an updated job description for the internal auditor on Sept. 16 and broadly signaled support for a code change that would permit the internal auditor to audit the council office with a council waiver.
Internal Auditor Andresha Tell (introduced as the presenter) asked council to approve resolution 1-52-2025, which updates the position to better align with the 2024 Global Internal Audit Standards. Councilmember James moved — and members seconded — an amendment adding the words “or other relevant field” to the bachelor’s degree requirement, allowing candidates with degrees in fields such as information technology to qualify. The amendment passed unanimously and the resolution as amended was approved unanimously.
Council then reviewed proposed updates to Chapter 13 of the county code. Tell said the changes are intended to align local audit practice with international standards and to resolve potential conflicts with the council office. A specific waiver under discussion would allow the internal auditor to audit council activities if the council affirmatively waives a statutory prohibition. Tell explained the proposed waiver followed an executive-branch request during an earlier audit and noted operational steps already taken (e.g., the council president currently signs time and purchasing for council staff to reduce dual-report conflicts).
Council members asked clarifying questions about the waiver’s scope, the internal-auditor’s authority to publish auditee responses, and procedural safeguards. Several members said they did not object in principle to the waiver; Tell said the draft code changes will return in legislative form after additional review and that the council-administration procedural fixes implemented over the past year could remain in place whether or not the waiver becomes permanent.
Ending: Resolution 1-52-2025 (internal auditor job description) passed as amended; staff will return with legislative-bill language for Chapter 13 changes and the proposed waiver.
