FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2020

Contact: Marshanna Smith

(816) 881-1391

msmith@jacksongov.org 

Jackson County Executive statement on COMBAT state audit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement on the audit report of Jackson County’s Community Backed Anti-Crime Tax (COMBAT) 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 will include more than one audit report. The first report focuses on Jackson County COMBAT.

 “While my Administration has not been responsible for the oversight of COMBAT for more than two years, we support the recommendations by the state auditors and to the extent feasible, will work with all parties involved to assist in implementing those recommendations. My office’s direct responses to the state audit recommendations are included in the report issued today. I’d like to commend the efforts of State Auditor Nicole Galloway and her staff, whose hard work will ensure COMBAT achieves its mission of creating a strong, safe community.”