East Central Reporter

The Shelby County Board approved the final draft of the 2022 audit during its recent regular meeting, following extensive and contentious comments from board members Carol Cole, Tim Morse, and Teresa Boehm.

Boehm expressed concerns about voting on the audit because it was marked "draft." Despite several explanations that the board routinely votes to approve draft documents, a vote was taken in which Cole, Morse, and Boehm voted against approval. It is noted that the 2020 audit, also marked "DRAFT," was approved without drawing attention from local groups alleging misconduct by the treasurer.

The final draft of the 2022 audit revealed no misconduct in the Treasurer’s office as claimed by some over recent months. Page 21 of the audit indicated six funds were over budget, with the Sheriff’s Office exceeding its budget by $241,441.00.

Those who voted against approving the audit did not cite specific concerns within the document beyond its "draft" status. The same three members also voted against paying certain bills to the auditor, a decision likely to cause further issues. Failure to pay could delay issuing a clean copy with the auditor’s signature, potentially leading IDOT to withhold funds that these members had expressed concern about.

"If concerns about grant money being withheld due to an audit were genuine," questioned one observer, "why would you vote NO on steps necessary to ensure funds are not withheld?"

This situation raises questions about whether these three board members are indifferent to transportation grant funds for Shelby County due to their votes against both the budget and auditor payments.