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Curry County budget staff say audits largely reconciled; forensic review flagged large misallocations
Summary
County finance staff told the budget committee they have reconciled software discrepancies going back to 2020 and are wrapping the FY24 audit, while a forensic audit has already identified misallocated distributions — including a $300,000 payment that should have been $3,000 — that will require corrective actions.
Presenter told the Curry County budget committee the finance team traced accounting software discrepancies back to 2020 and has been working to correct them so the county can move forward with its audits and budget work. "As of May, everything is now agreeing to the audit report," the Presenter said.
The Presenter said completing the FY24 audit is a precondition for fully evaluating fund balances and finalizing certified numbers. The committee was told the FY24 audit is expected to wrap in about one to two months once capital asset work is finished.
The discussion also recapped findings from a wider forensic review of the treasury after multiple taxing districts reported receiving incorrect distributions. Board chair said the audit uncovered at least one high‑profile error in which a treasurer sent a trailer‑park ombudsman $300,000 instead of $3,000; county counsel requested the money back and it was returned, but the county lost the interest that would have accrued during the period the funds were misallocated. "That person, we lost the interest that would have been accrued on that money for 2 years," the Board chair said.
Committee members framed the forensic audit as central to restoring confidence in distributions to taxing districts and ensuring the FY27 budget rests on certified figures. The Presenter said staff now have reconciled most of the ledgers and estimated current financial reports are about 95% accurate, but flagged remaining work to close outstanding deposits and other items.
Next steps: the committee will receive certified audit numbers once the FY24 audit completes; members scheduled follow‑up budget meetings the week of May 27 and on June 3 to review updated worksheets and working numbers.
