Morgan County audit rating improves

Nicole Galloway, Missouri's state auditor
Nicole Galloway, Missouri's state auditor

Three years after receiving a "poor" rating from the state auditor, Morgan County has now seen its audit rating rise to "good" status.

Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway released the regularly scheduled audit of Morgan County on Wednesday.

"Since their last audit, officials in Morgan County have made significant improvements in their operations," Galloway said in a news release. "While there are some areas of concern, I'm hopeful the county will work to incorporate current audit recommendations to improve efficiency and increase accountability."

This latest audit raised concerns related to the public administrator not filing annual settlements on time and recommended improved accounting procedures for recording payments.

The report also identified $52,851 of funds spent from the Sheriff's Revolving Fund for purposes not allowed by law. The fund is legally designated for expenses related to issuing concealed carry weapon permits, but was used for vehicle purchases and building repairs.

The audit recommended increased cybersecurity measures in several county offices. This includes strengthening passwords and storing data backups in an off-site location.

The 2014 state audit cited a lack of strong management of properties and accounting problems. There was no evidence of criminal activity, but there were a number of clerical errors by multiple divisions cited within the county, which officials with the auditor's office said led to the low grade.

Among those concerns were a tax ceiling issue, which accounted roughly $1.8 million in the wrong column; improper segregation of duties within the sheriff's office; and other bookkeeping problems.