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Nassau BOCC asks state CFO/FAFO for underlying analysis after press release; residents raise audit and tax concerns
Summary
Following a state press conference about Nassau County finances, the Board voted to request detailed analysis and a follow‑up meeting with the Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight (FAFO)/state CFO; public commenters asked for auditor rotation and questioned large spending and property assessments.
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners voted Jan. 26 to request that the Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight (FAFO) and the state Chief Financial Officer provide the county with the detailed analysis and methodology behind a recent press release about Nassau County’s budget and finances, and to meet with county staff and the elected clerk/controller to review the findings.
Chair Allison McCullough read a draft letter asking FAFO to share its underlying data and to participate in a follow‑up meeting so the county and its independently elected clerk of courts and controller can review the findings together. “Accordingly, I respectfully request that the FAFO provide the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners with its detailed analysis and participate in a follow‑up meeting,” McCullough read. Commissioners voiced support and directed the county manager to send the letter and a county press release disputing some of the FAFO conclusions.
During general public comment several residents raised related financial concerns. A commenter who identified herself as a former career accountant urged the board to hold the clerk’s office to a higher standard and to adopt external auditor rotation best practices, saying 15 years with the same firm is unacceptable. Another commenter, Patricia Sam, criticized outside claims of waste and questioned recent property assessment increases in a Fernandina neighborhood.
Why it matters: The board’s request aims to move the county from public dispute toward a documented review with the state agency and the county’s elected clerk/controller. Public commenters highlighted citizen concerns about audit independence and property‑tax assessments.
What’s next: County staff will send the letter to the FAFO/CFO and follow up on any offer to meet; the BOCC directed the county manager to issue a response to the press release and invited FAFO to present supporting data.
