The Johnson County Board approved the county auditor's proposed 2026 annual audit plan on Dec. 4 after a presentation by County Auditor Doug Jones and a public comment calling for expanded departmental and procurement reviews.

Jones outlined goals to complete seven performance audits in 2026 — three already under way — and described a selection process that used surveys of county management and the board, resident and employee input, prior audits, risk assessments and a review of public suggestions. Jones said the auditor’s office used AI tools to scan budget and financial documents to help identify potential risk areas and prioritize topics.

The plan includes audits of workplace threats and violence protections, wildfire management, airport fees and rents (three planned in 2025 and continuing into 2026), and in 2026 the office plans to review the Community Behavioral Health Center, corrections department use-of-force review processes, termination of employee benefits, and tax calculation processes. Auditor Jones also provided a list of eight future topics that could be started later in 2026, including older-adult services, county contracts with nonprofits, homeless services, the medical examiner's office and master vendor-file review.

During public comment, a speaker identifying himself as Ben Hulbert urged audits on compliance with charter resolutions, questioned the 2022 RFP process for a contract termination involving Evergreen Living Innovations, raised concerns about p-card internal controls and recommended an audit of surplus property holdings.

Commissioners noted the audit committee’s robust discussions and debated priorities. Some members questioned whether wildfire management was the best use of audit time compared with issues such as contracts with nonprofits or homeless services. The board approved the plan by roll call after a motion by Commissioner Burr and a second by Commissioner Allen Brand.

County Auditor Jones said the annual audit plan is designed to provide decisionmakers recommendations to improve services, ensure careful use of tax dollars and enhance public accountability. The auditor’s office will report progress to the audit committee and the board as the audits proceed.