Maury County Audit Remains Troubled by School District Problems

The annual audit of Maury County government is once again highlighted by multiple problems within the Maury County School Department.

The audit report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 includes 11 findings, 10 of which are directly related to the Director of Schools’ Office. Many of the problems were also reported in the fiscal year 2017 audit and had not been corrected.

Although the problems are significant, the Comptroller’s Office is hopeful for improvement. Last year, Maury County adopted a new centralized finance structure. This new system will allow the county’s central office of financial management to begin maintaining the school department’s financial records.

This year’s audit report includes problems that can be attributed to poor accounting, budget operations, purchasing deficiencies, and a failure to reconcile accounts. Auditors also noted the school department has been penalized by the Internal Revenue Service for late filings and payments.

“Maury County leaders have their work cut out for them,” said Comptroller Justin P. Wilson. “Many of the problems identified in this report stem from several years of ineffective financial management in the school department. I am optimistic that Maury County Finance Director Douglas Lukonen, under the supervision of the county’s Financial Management Board, can get things turned around.”

To view the Maury County Audit Report click here.

If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454, or file a report online at: www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline. Follow us on twitter: @TNCOT

Media contact: John Dunn, Public Information Officer, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov

Related Links:

• Maury County Audit Report
• PDF of Press Release