During a recent government meeting, the Illinois County Auditor presented an overview of the office's mission, responsibilities, and ongoing efforts to ensure the integrity of county financial operations. The auditor emphasized the importance of providing quality information to the governing board, which relies on accurate data for decision-making regarding budgets, expenditures, and resource management.

The auditor outlined the statutory framework guiding the office, specifically referencing the Illinois County Auditor statute, which mandates continuous internal audits and the examination of all claims against the county. Each year, the office audits approximately 45,000 to 60,000 individual transactions, ensuring that all expenditures are properly vetted and approved before being processed.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the auditor's role in combating fraud, waste, and abuse within county operations. The auditor highlighted findings from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, noting that government entities are particularly vulnerable to fraud, second only to the finance sector. The auditor's office employs a risk-based approach to auditing, which includes analyzing statistical and financial information to identify potential areas of concern.

In response to inquiries from county board members, the auditor addressed the possibility of assisting with the cleanup of voter rolls, indicating that while the office could provide some support, it would likely require external expertise. The auditor also discussed the limited staffing of the office, which currently consists of four full-time employees, and the challenges of maintaining adequate resources in the face of increasing demands.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among board members to explore solutions for high property taxes, with suggestions for potential purchasing freezes and enhanced monitoring of expenditures. The auditor reiterated the office's commitment to transparency and quality in financial reporting, encouraging board members to utilize the resources available through the auditor's office for ongoing support and guidance.