JAMESTOWN – Comptroller auditors found several new problems while examining the operations of Fentress County government. The annual report for the year ended June 30, 2014, identifies 15 areas of concern, up from eight the year before.
The findings are spread across a number of county offices and concern a variety of issues with financial management, business practices and internal control deficiencies. Of the 15 findings, five had been highlighted in the previous year’s report.
The audit details problems with Fentress County’s use of surplus property from the U.S. Department of Defense. Fentress County failed to maintain adequate inventory records of the surplus property it has obtained. Additionally, several trucks and a generator had been used by the Highway Department for road maintenance despite guidelines requiring surplus property to be used for law enforcement and counter-drug activities.
Auditors also noted two Comptroller investigations related to a theft at the Fentress County Public Library, and a cash shortage in the Sheriff’s Department. Both reports can be found at http://www.comptroller.tn.gov/ia/.
“It concerns me to see a growing number of audit findings in Fentress County,” Comptroller Justin P. Wilson said. “I urge county leaders to consider our recommendations and implement the necessary changes. Last year’s investigative reports should underscore the need for reform.”
