County auditor discontinues work, cites unresolved treasurer's-office issues; commission to issue RFP

Atchison County commissioners were read a disengagement letter from Barney and Associates, CPAs LLC on Jan. 6 saying the firm was immediately ending its work as the county's external auditor because issues identified during the 2024 audit remained unresolved.

The letter (read aloud by the presiding commissioner) cites "many concerns centered around the treasurer's office," including bank accounts that appear closed on daily statements, incorrect amounts on other accounts and inaccurate bank reconciliations. The auditor said staff resignation (naming "Mark Zeltner" as the staff member who had previously pulled audit materials together) contributed to the firm's decision to disengage.

The auditor firm wrote it would provide required information to a successor auditor consistent with auditing standards. Commissioners said they had discussed the matter with the interim treasurer and county clerk and that an updated request for proposals for auditing services would be prepared and brought to the commission next week.

No detailed rebuttal from the treasurer's office was recorded during the Jan. 6 meeting. Commissioners did not announce a successor auditor at the meeting but said they will publish an RFP and follow the procurement process to secure auditing services.

Commissioners also discussed working with staff on immediate steps to ensure records are available to a successor auditor and to address the accounting issues the letter described. The county did not take a formal vote on hiring a new auditor during the Jan. 6 meeting.