The Missouri State Auditor’s Office has announced an audit of the Stone County Collector’s Office following concerns about potential missing taxpayer funds. This audit, requested by the Stone County Commission, aims to uncover any financial irregularities in the office.
State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick stated, “We will conduct a thorough review of the office to provide answers for the Stone County Commission and all taxpayers in Stone County who deserve to know if their tax dollars have been misused or even stolen. If we discover money is missing from the Stone County Collector’s Office, we will do everything we can to ensure those who are responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
Auditors from Fitzpatrick’s office met with county officials to initiate the audit process on Tuesday, July 2. The last audit of the Stone County Collector’s Office was in 2021, which rated the office as excellent, identifying no significant deficiencies in internal controls or legal non-compliance. A prior audit of Stone County in 2020 rated the county as fair, highlighting some concerns with controls and procedures in the Collector’s Office.
Individuals with confidential information relevant to the audit can contact the State Auditor’s Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov, or by visiting This link on the Missouri State Auditor’s website.
