The Office of the State Auditor presented its proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and the Legislative Audit Committee approved the request with authorization to make any changes directed by the Executive Committee or the Joint Budget Committee.

Auditor Hunter summarized the budget request: a proposed total appropriation of $14,947,173 representing a 2.1% decrease from fiscal year 2025, with general fund held flat and adjustments for salaries and benefits aligned to common policy guidance (a placeholder 2.5% across‑the‑board increase plus a 0.6% step increase as recommended by JBC staff). The office said salary and benefits account for about 86% of its budget. It also noted reductions tied to two audits being completed in FY2025 and a modest inflationary increase in reappropriated audit contract payments.

Committee members discussed the context of statewide budget constraints. Senator Weissman noted the broader legislative branch direction to hold funding steady in a tight budget year. Auditor Hunter asked the committee to approve the proposed budget and to authorize any adjustments required by the Executive Committee or Joint Budget Committee; the committee approved the request by voice and recorded no opposition.

Auditor Hunter said the office would continue to coordinate with the Executive Committee and incorporate any common‑policy changes once JBC directions are final.