Private auditor withdraws; officials and residents urge state auditor to step in

Michelle Brown, a Madison County officer, told the board the private auditor notified the county it was withdrawing from the FY25 engagement after reviewing recent state audit findings and institutional issues. "They are willing to engage," Brown said of the Iowa State Auditor's office, and she recommended the county consider having the state continue the audit for continuity.

Several residents urged that course. "This withdraw completely validates taxpayers' concerns," Wendy Frost, a Winterset resident, said after Model Logistics officially notified the county it would not proceed. Frost cited the state auditor’s qualified opinion on FY23–24 and urged the board to "engage [the] state auditor to step back in the fiscal 25 audit" and to authorize an operational assessment to uncover root causes.

Public commenters and multiple speakers tied the private firm's decision to the volume and severity of audit findings, arguing that continuity with the state auditor would better address outstanding deficiencies. Michelle Brown said the state office may have more availability later in the summer and that using the state auditor could provide important institutional knowledge to address prior findings.

The board took no immediate formal action at this meeting to change audit contractors but discussed preparing a resolution and timing for any engagement with the Iowa State Auditor. Residents asked the board to prioritize transparency, and speakers said line‑item documentation for outside counsel charges should be provided before invoices are paid.