As local governments in Clark County, Washington, develop their budgets, citizens should pay close attention and ask detailed questions. The county manager’s recommended budget is expected in November, with final adoption in early December. Vancouver, Camas, and other cities are also advancing their biennial budgets.
Recent Audits Reveal Concerns
Recent audits from the Washington State Auditor Office have found significant deficiencies in internal controls over financial reporting in the City of Camas, including a $47 million depreciation error. Vancouver has also faced scrutiny, with a recent state audit finding deficiencies in internal controls that allowed material errors to go undetected, including the improper recording of $18.3 million in Proposition 2 fire levy revenues.
Citizens should demand measurable results and honest answers from their elected officials. They can contact their mayor, council members, and county councilors to ask questions, such as: What is the improper payment rate and how is it measured? How many sole source or emergency contracts were awarded last year and why? What did the last audit find, and which findings are still open today?
Citizens can also visit the Clark County Future 42 website to review local government scorecards and legislative scorecards to see how their elected officials have voted on budget issues. By demanding transparency and accountability, citizens can ensure that their tax dollars are being spent wisely.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
