On Friday evening (Dec. 8), one day after pledging full cooperation with the State Auditor's Office, the Greene County Commission announced the hiring of a private law firm to review allegations that public resources were misused to advocate for the passage of a sales tax ballot measure. Auditor Galloway brought these allegations to light and has requested the authority for her office to conduct a thorough, independent audit.
The State Auditor's Office released the following statement:
This action does not indicate interest in pursuing a public, independent review into the troubling allegations of the misuse of public resources. Our obligation is to Missourians. A private firm's obligation would be to their client — the commission.
With the changes to state law in regards to protections for public whistleblowers, the State Auditor's Office is the only entity with the legal requirement to protect whistleblowers.
Auditors follow established procedures to maintain independence and ensure reports are fair and accurate. A private law firm, which would have no obligation to release information to the public, does not have to comply with these standards and would instead be beholden to their client.
The Greene County Commission should stand by their original pledge and fully cooperate to allow transparency for taxpayers.
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