Council moves internal auditor under audit committee amid debate over oversight and whistleblower access

On first reading Jan. 7 the Columbus City Council voted to amend the municipal ordinance to place the city’s internal auditor under the city’s audit committee.

Councilor Hickey moved the amendment and Mayor Pro Tem Gary Allen seconded; after discussion the body approved the change. Councilors said the audit committee structure would provide financial expertise and regular oversight for the auditor without creating political conflicts. "It would be cleaner if we had her report to the audit committee rather than to this body," Councilor Hickey said during debate.

Some councilors urged safeguards so the auditor could still perform day‑to‑day tasks and have a clear administrative contact for personnel or operational issues. Councilor Davis said the mayor’s office should continue to be able to request audits and that administrative support for the auditor will be necessary, even if oversight flows through the audit committee.

Council directed the city attorney’s office to draft precise ordinance language reflecting the committee’s oversight and to circulate the draft to members for review prior to the next meeting.

Why this matters: The auditor’s office manages the whistleblower intake and conducts contract and financial audits; the question of where it sits in the organization affects perceptions of independence and how audit findings and whistleblower reports are handled.

What’s next: The attorney’s office will circulate draft ordinance language and the council will vote on the finalized text on a later reading.