In 2006 Gwinnett County dissolved their internal audit department, resulting in a grand jury inquiry.  The grand jury recommended the internal audit department be re-established.  Six years later elected officials have taken no action.

There is no justification for not providing citizens with independent assurances that our tax funds have been used wisely and efficiently.

Gwinnett needs an audit department, and citizens need to know the department is independent.

Gwinnett’s new audit department should report to an appointed citizens committee made up of experienced financial and audit professionals residing in the county. The new audit department needs a charter granting the audit function independence and authority to perform meaningful audits to safe guard taxpayers’ interests.

If the Board of Commissioners is serious about restoring trust in government, re-establishing an independent audit department is a good first step.