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Residents press Halifax County Board for transparency after forensic audit; motion for public discussion fails 5–3
Summary
Residents urged the Halifax County Board of Supervisors to produce records and reject re-engaging a former staffer after a Premier Group forensic audit; the board voted down a motion to add a public forensic-audit discussion 5–3 and removed related agenda items pending receipt of finance-committee minutes.
Residents pressed the Halifax County Board of Supervisors on April 6 for fuller disclosure after a forensic audit raised questions about record-keeping and concentrated financial duties.
During the board meeting, public commenters urged transparency and opposed bringing a former staffer, identified in public comment as Stephanie Jackson, back to assist in locating documents. Jennifer Champion of Clover submitted a Freedom of Information request for correspondence related to the Premier Group forensic audit and said allowing Jackson to return would create an unacceptable appearance of conflict. "Allowing someone connected to the issue under review to re-enter the process risks compromising the integrity of the investigation," Champion said.
Scarlet Brandon, who identified herself as a District 5 resident, cited figures she attributed to the forensic review: investigators examined 398 transactions, seven had complete documentation and 342 had none. "This county currently has no such proof for the vast majority of transactions examined," Brandon said, and asked whether federal funds such as CARES or ARPA were involved and what structural changes the board would implement to prevent future breakdowns in controls.
The board debated whether to place a general discussion of the forensic audit on the public agenda. Supervisor Riddle moved to add a forensic-audit discussion item; Supervisor McDowell seconded. After a short procedural debate about what could be discussed publicly without naming individuals, the board took a roll-call vote and the motion failed five to three. The roll-call recorded Yes votes from Supervisor Riddle, Supervisor McDowell and Supervisor Cleaver and No votes from Chair Waller, Supervisor Oaks, Supervisor Witt and Vice Chair Smart and Supervisor Thompson.
Earlier in the meeting the board amended the agenda to delete agenda item AL2 (forensic-audit support discussion) and to remove related closed-session items until the March 25 finance-committee minutes could be provided to supervisors. That amendment was moved by Supervisor Clayborn and seconded by Supervisor McDowell and was approved by voice vote.
Board members reminded speakers that public-comment rules require remarks to be related to county business. Multiple residents said they feared a proposed mandatory citizens' comment form could discourage participation; the board removed the proposed comment-form item from the current agenda for further revision.
What happens next: members said the missing finance-committee minutes will be supplied and related items will be taken up at a joint meeting on April 21. Residents who testified called for independent review and full disclosure of records obtained during the Premier Group review.
