AUDITOR BEGINS SCOTT AUDIT

BENTON -- Missouri Auditor Margaret Kelly announced she has begun an audit of Scott County.

State law requires the auditor to perform regular audits of counties that do not have a county auditor. Scott County doesn't.

A team of auditors is reviewing county records as part of the fieldwork phase of the audit, she said. After the audit report is written, it will be reviewed by Kelly.

The report, which will be issued to the public, will include recommendations for any changes needed in county government operations, said Kelly. Responses from county officials to the auditor's recommendations also will be included along with a review of action taken by officials in response to recommendations made in the previous audit report of the county, she said.

"I would like to encourage anyone with information that might be relevant to our audit to contact my office." said Kelly. "All information will be kept confidential."

She encouraged anyone with information or concerns to call her office at 800-347-8597 or write P.O. Box 869, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.