Stone County Collector's Office to be audited by state for possible missing money

The Missouri State Auditor's Office is launching an audit of the Stone County Collector's Office to see if any money is missing. The audit was requested by the Stone County Commission after commissioners noticed the possibility of missing money, according to a news release Monday.

The audit process began Tuesday, July 2. The time it takes to complete an audit varies on a case-by-case basis.

"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," Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick said in the release. "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."

Stone County officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The most recently completed state audit of the Stone County Collector and Property Tax System in 2021 received an "excellent" rating, the highest rating possible. The year prior, in 2020, the county received a "fair" rating, with a report identifying concerns in the operations of the Public Administrator's, Sheriff's, County Collector's and Prosecuting Attorney's offices as well as payroll.

The Auditor's Office is currently also reviewing the Stone County Developmental Disability Board. The audit was started on April 29 to review how the board uses taxpayer funds to provide services to those with disabilities.

Under state statute, counties can establish these boards to collect taxes and then use them to operate residential facilities and provide services and assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities. Stone County voters passed a developmental board tax levy in 2016 with a vote that also formed the board.

According to its website, the board has funded OATS Transportation, an ADA-accessible playground, camp scholarships and job creation for local residents with developmental disabilities.

Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.