Lowndes County probation office reports perfect audit as commissioners recognize staff

Felicia Rountree, who leads Lowndes County's misdemeanor probation program, told commissioners the state misdemeanor probation oversight unit reviewed about 150 randomly selected cases and found "no findings" and "no recommendations," calling the review a "perfect audit." Rountree praised officers and staff for adhering to policies and procedures despite rising caseloads and temporary staffing changes.

County manager Paige Dukes introduced the acknowledgement and thanked the probation team for accountability and oversight. Commissioners, including Chair Bill Slaughter, also commended the office for day-to-day professionalism and for working cooperatively with the court system.

Rountree told the board the program sometimes operates three courts on many days while maintaining only two probation teams and that staff have sometimes worked Saturdays or early mornings to keep operations on track. She said the audit examines payment posting, tolling, case handling and OCGA rules and that the sampled files were examined "with a fine tooth comb." Rountree added that achieving consecutive perfect audits can change audit frequency and that the department absorbed recent personnel transitions without recommendations from auditors.

Commissioners asked the team to stand for recognition. Chair Slaughter and other commissioners expressed appreciation for the work and the program's contributions to public safety and community outcomes.

The board did not take further action; the recognition and audit report concluded the agenda segment.