LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee convened on Friday, October 9th. The Chair called for the adoption of minutes from previous meetings, which was adopted with a motion and second. Representative Hawk presented the report from the executive committee, noting that the committee met on Thursday, October 8th, and adopted minutes from September 10th, 2026. Staff reported audits and special reports scheduled for presentation to standing committees and the full joint auditing committee in October. The executive committee also approved the 2027 L. Jack calendar. Representative Hawk moved for adoption of this report, which was seconded and adopted without opposition. Senator Stone presented the report from the Standing Committee on Counties and Municipalities. The committee had reviewed delinquent private water and sewer audits and requested certified letters to be sent to eight water and sewer systems that did not provide proper responses to their audit findings. Senator Stone moved for adoption of this report, which was seconded and adopted without opposition. Senator Dees presented the report from the Standing Committee on Educational Institutions. The committee reviewed six education audit reports, including those from Texarkana Arkansas School District and Institute for Creative Arts School. Officials were present to address questions related to findings in their respective audit reports. Senator Dees moved for adoption of this report, which was seconded and adopted without opposition. Representative Meeks presented the report from the Standing Committee on State Agencies. The committee reviewed nine audit reports, including issues with improper bidding by the Department of Health and travel payment violations by the Department of Labor and Licensing. Representative Meeks moved for adoption of this report, which was seconded and adopted without opposition. The Chair then called representatives from the Chico County Drainage District to present their report but held off on swearing them in until questions were asked. Mr. Anthony Weston presented a report issued in response to requests from the 10th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney for legislative audit, which reviewed selected transactions of the Chico County Drainage District and the Chico Junction Water System. No votes or motions were recorded for the presentation by Mr. Anthony Weston.