GOLDEN — Jefferson County commissioners have eliminated the internal audit office, saying the two-person unit was not earning its keep.
The commissioners split 2-1 on the action, which will save $231,000 annually.
Commissioners Kathy Hartman and Faye Griffin said they supported this week’s decision because the office duplicated work by external auditors, federal auditors and the county’s audit committee.
“The office’s budget has grown since it was created four years ago,” Hartman said. “They have not identified any significant problems . . . and I could not see significant savings that they created.”
Griffin said there will be a higher level of objectivity with the audit committee and external auditors, who can be asked to come in at any time.
Commissioner Kevin McCasky, who voted against the office shutdown, did not return calls seeking comment.
The commissioners will meet with the county’s audit committee to discuss how to handle essential functions performed by the audit office.
Susan Johnson, who was the office director, and staff auditor Melissa Arain have been placed on paid administrative leave until March 1.
Johnson earned $96,000 yearly; Arain, $60,615.
“Obviously, I think it’s a mistake because they need financial oversight and independent financial oversight,” Johnson said Wednesday.
A few months after Johnson was named internal auditor in 2005, work by her and an external auditor revealed there was no way to account for more than $1 million in computer parts bought by the county’s information technology department over three years.
This is the second time the county has let Johnson go. In 2002, she lost her job as the county airport financial officer after she raised concerns about spending practices.
Johnson was rehired by then-Treasurer Mark Paschall. Jim Congrove, who also worked in the treasurer’s office, tapped Johnson as his campaign treasurer when he ran for commissioner in 2004.
In 2004, Johnson filed suit against former Commissioner Rick Sheehan, contending he slandered her twice in 2003. Johnson dropped the suit as part of an agreement for Sheehan’s resignation in early 2005.
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com
