In July, longtime Saline County Auditor Tara Vogelsmeier resigned. On August 13, Interim Auditor Sandra Walter resigned.

Karlin Breshears was appointed Auditor by Governor Mike Parson on September 1 to fill out the calendar year. Breshears was elected by the voters to fill out the unexpired term of Vogelsmeier during the General Election on Tuesday, November 3.

During the meeting of the county commission on Thursday, November 5, Southern District Commissioner Monte Fenner explained the county is still in the middle of a forensic audit of the county’s books and procedures to make sure everything is correct.

Fenner said BKD CPAs and Advisors, of Springfield, is conducting the audit. He said the estimated cost is about $22,000- a fee not previously budgeted.

Fenner further explained the reasoning for the audit.

Fenner says he thinks the audit will be finished in about two weeks, and findings will be published.

Fenner says the county’s payroll is being handled by Director of Human Resources Michelle Hinnah. He said the county has about 85 employees.

Fenner said with the Director of HR, he thinks the cost to the county will balance out.

Fenner said last week was the county’s first week of direct deposit. This week is training for a new system of Time Clock Plus, which will allow employees to punch in the time on their computer.