Missouri auditor conducting audit for possible missing money from Stone County

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced Monday that he will launch an audit of the Stone County Collector’s Office to investigate potential missing taxpayer money.

In a press release, Auditor Fitzpatrick says the Stone County Commission requested an audit of the Collector’s Office to find any potential financial irregularities after discovering the possibility of missing money.

County officials and auditors from Fitzpatrick’s office met on Tuesday, July 2, to begin the audit process.

“We will conduct a thorough review of the office with the goal of providing answers for the Stone County Commission and all taxpayers in Stone County who deserve to know if their tax dollars have been misused or even stolen,” said Fitzpatrick. “If we discover money is missing from the Stone County Collector’s Office, we will do everything we can to ensure those who are responsible are held accountable for their actions.”

Fitzpatrick says the Missouri State Auditor’s Office’s last audit of the Stone County Collector in 2021 resulted in an excellent office rating and found no notable violations with internal controls or legal provisions. However, a previous audit in 2020 did show some concerns with the office’s internal controls and procedures.

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