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Internal auditor flags roads-division fuel and inventory discrepancies; council presses for transparency
Summary
The county's internal auditor presented a roads-division audit that raised concerns about fuel, DEF and inventory controls. Department and executive-branch participation in the work session was limited, prompting council members and public speakers to call for full cooperation and for the auditor's findings to remain part of the public record.
Wicomico County's internal auditor briefed the council on April 21 about an amended annual audit plan and presented findings from a roads-division audit that identified inconsistencies in fuel, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and inventory records.
Internal Auditor Angie Shital said the audit focused on controls around consumable road-maintenance commodities and fuel accounts, and noted discrepancies that merit follow-up. County staff submitted a written "management views" response to the audit; the auditor said the executive branch declined to participate in the work session and the administration's counsel had advised against participation, characterizing some of the matters as personnel issues.
Council members questioned whether finance and department heads should be copied on draft reports and exit conferences; the auditor said she would include finance as a matter of courtesy going forward but that existing audit procedures do not require direct approval from administration to issue findings. Members also debated whether management's written views — which contested some points and requested additional consultations — should remain in the public audit report. The council directed that the auditor's response and the management views be included in the resolution record so the public record is complete.
During the meeting's public-comment period several residents asked the council to pursue the audit findings rigorously and to ensure transparency; public commenters referenced a historical theft investigation in the public-works area and urged the council not to impede audit access.
