Russell County delays forensic audit as foster-care costs surge
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Summary
The Board of Supervisors tabled entering contract negotiations with UHY for a proposed $217,000 countywide forensic/operational audit, citing uncertainty about how to pay for the work amid sharply rising County Service Act (CSA) and foster-care expenditures.
The Russell County Board of Supervisors voted Feb. 9 to table entering contract negotiations with UHY, the audit firm the county’s forensic-audit committee recommended, after members expressed concern about funding the review alongside escalating foster-care costs.
County Attorney Tyler, presenting the audit committee’s recommendation, said the committee had settled on UHY and provided a ballpark cost. "I'd be in the ballpark of $217,000," he said while outlining that the contract phase would be where the final audit scope is negotiated. The recommended engagement would combine forensic review and operational analysis across county functions.
Board members pressed on where the funds would come from as the county faces mounting, mandatory CSA spending. The county administrator told the board the CSA program has grown markedly: "We are running about approximately $400,000 per month in expenditures," the administrator said, and warned that some placements can cost thousands of dollars per month. Supervisors and staff noted that CSA and related placements are mandated services under Virginia law, leaving little local discretion once placements are ordered.
One supervisor moved to postpone entering the contract-negotiation phase until the county has a clearer picture of this year’s budget and CSA obligations. The motion to table passed on a voice vote, with no formal tally recorded in the minutes.
Supporters of the audit said a widened scope could also produce recommendations for revenue enhancement and operational efficiencies; the county attorney said the operational component of the review might identify ways to reduce costs. Opponents emphasized the immediate budget pressures the county faces and urged the audit committee and budget committee to revisit prioritization and possible scope reductions.
The board directed committee members to re-evaluate the audit’s scope and timing while continuing budget work on CSA and other mandatory services. No contract with UHY was executed at the meeting.