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Parish auditors say local collection is a net positive: $2.9M recovered, low cost ratio
Summary
Sales-tax staff told the committee audits recovered $2.9M last year with costs of $272,000 (roughly 9% of recoveries), and argued local collection supports these recoveries compared with a centralized model.
Sales-tax staff framed the department as a net revenue source for the parish: the packet shows audit recoveries of roughly $2.9 million last year and audit program costs of about $272,000. "We only 9% cost compared to what we collected just in audit," the presenter said, arguing the office offsets its budget and functions as a profit center when audit recoveries and occupancy-fee collections are counted.
Staff told the committee that audits are selected by industry and recurring schedules for large accounts, and that the office employs three in-house auditors supplemented by contract firms. Committee members asked whether contract auditors are paid on contingency; staff said they are not. The presenter emphasized limits on audit lookback (three prior years plus current) and said the office signs waivers when necessary to extend periods for thorough reviews.
Speakers used the audit data to argue for local autonomy in collections, warning that centralization could reduce local recoveries. No formal action was taken; members asked for continued reporting on audit yields and staffing at future meetings.
