November 30, 2020

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement today on the audit report of Jackson County’s Budgets and Transfers released by the Office of Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway:

“On January 3, 2018, I recommended that the County Legislature request the Office of Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway conduct a thorough and independent performance audit of Jackson County’s financial policies and practices. Performance audits provide an objective analysis to improve operations, reduce costs and facilitate communication, decision-making, corrective actions and public accountability.

“Upon Auditor Galloway’s acceptance of the audit request on April 11, 2018, my administration has fully participated in this process to help her staff complete their scope of work, which included more than one audit report. The third report released today focuses on Jackson County’s Budgets and Transfers.

“I understood my recommendation to have the state auditor’s office dig into the longstanding policies and practices of Jackson County would not be without challenges; however, it was necessary to make us better. I am pleased to know that most of the recommendations made involve issues that have already been addressed by the County.

“While we may disagree with some of the statements or findings, we will continue to work with elected leaders as we review the report to determine if additional changes are necessary. I would like to thank State Auditor Nicole Galloway and her staff, whose hard work will help us in continuing to operate effectively with the utmost transparency and efficiency.”