Deputy state auditor says Vermont needs more staff or a scaled oversight approach

Tim Ash, deputy state auditor, told the Senate Government Operations Committee that the state’s current auditing and performance capacity is too small to provide the consistent legislative oversight lawmakers seek. "For a $9,400,000,000 budget, there is an office with 2 positions," Ash said, arguing that the chief performance officer cannot compel agencies and that the legislature should consider how to support or partner with the auditor’s office.

Ash outlined two broad options: (1) create a time-limited pilot or direct additional Joint Fiscal Office resources to do deep dives into a small set of high-priority programs, or (2) create a formal oversight committee with a clear charge, realistic first-year tasks and adequate staff. He warned past efforts stalled over subpoena language and cost concerns and recommended starting with a limited, replicable set of "signature" program reviews to build experience.

Committee members and Ash discussed how auditors are constituted in different states — appointed, elected or legislative — and how legislatures can direct audits (for example, TIF or sheriff audits are often legislatively required). Ash said auditors can provide technical assistance, training and targeted evaluations that reduce duplication and improve the usefulness of data, but noted resource and scheduling constraints in bodies such as the Joint Fiscal Committee.

Ash offered to return for further conversation and the committee agreed to continue the discussion next week. No formal resource changes or statutory actions were taken during the session.