Franklin County auditor: software migration caused reporting differences; commissioners authorize 2025 audit

Franklin County commissioners on Jan. 7 received the 2024 audit and authorized the county to engage Rodney M. Burns, CPA LLC for the 2025 audit.

Rodney M. Burns, the contracted auditor identified on the meeting agenda, told commissioners the largest issues stemmed from the county's switch to the Tyler finance system, which created reporting differences and several required accounting adjustments. "No money is missing," Burns said, describing discrepancies as the result of balances that rolled over differently between the old and new systems and not improper conduct.

Commissioners asked whether the auditor could complete the 2025 work in a more timely fashion; Burns said timing would depend on how quickly the county balances 2025 accounts but indicated he expected to plan on being present in May and June as usual. Commissioner (Speaker 3) moved to authorize the chairman to execute an engagement letter with Rodney M. Burns, CPA LLC for the 2025 audit; the motion passed on the recorded voice approval.

Why it matters: timely audits affect budgeting and external reporting and the county discussed steps to improve internal procedures and reconciliation during software transitions. Commissioners said they will work with the county clerk and treasurer early in 2026 to ensure data are prepared to facilitate a faster audit next year.

What happens next: the chairman is authorized to sign the engagement letter and staff will continue preparing 2025 records so the auditor can proceed when ready.