Legislative audit committee urges Attorney General to consider investigation of Stark County audit findings

The Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee voted March 24 to encourage the North Dakota Attorney General to consider arranging an investigation into Stark County after the Stark County audit identified material noncompliance with statutory requirements.

On a motion by Senator David A. Clemens and seconded by Representative Desiree Morton, the committee asked the Attorney General to consider an investigation regarding findings cited in the Stark County audit as of Dec. 31, 2023, specifically noncompliance with Sections 11-23-02 and 57-15-31 of the North Dakota Century Code. The motion passed on a roll call vote: Senators Jeffery J. Magrum, David A. Clemens, Chuck Walen, and Kent Weston and Representatives Patrick R. Hatlestad, Jorin Johnson, Roger A. Maki, Desiree Morton, Mike Motschenbacher, and Kelby Timmons voted "aye." Representatives Austen Schauer and Scott Wagner voted "nay."

The committee recorded the motion as a formal recommendation for the Attorney General's consideration; the committee did not itself open an investigation or specify investigative steps. The motion record does not identify additional investigative scope, timeline, or requested remedies.

The recommendation follows the committee's review of audit reports at its March 24 meeting; committee members debated the issue before the roll call. The committee's action is advisory and asks the Attorney General to evaluate whether to arrange an investigation under applicable authority.

The committee accepted the audit reports reviewed at the meeting and adjourned later the same day.