Auditor Galloway finds sales, property tax concerns in Maries County

State Auditor Nicole Galloway released an audit of Maries County that included multiple concerns that have been identified before.

“Audits are a tool to help improve processes and ensure that government is serving taxpayers with efficiency and transparency,” Galloway said. “It is frustrating when concerns are repeatedly disregarded. I urge Maries County officials to implement these recommendations and make improvements to government operations.”

The audit found the county has imposed two sales taxes that, when combined, exceed the maximum allowed by state law.

Galloway said the concern was identified in previous audits.

Galloway said the county commission attempted to address the issue, but the change was done improperly.

The need for better procedures in these areas was previously identified in the past five audit reports, Galloway said.

However, the overall performance rating was fair for Maries County, Galloway said.