Winter 2026

Auditor Message: The Value of Reflection and Planning

I’ve always liked January. It’s a natural time to reflect on what the Auditor’s Office accomplished over the past year and to look ahead to what’s coming next.

Did everything go smoothly in 2025? Mostly yes—though not entirely. The Office successfully passed its first external quality review. (Go team!) We continued to engage with the public and maintain strong, transparent communication. Staff earned new professional certifications and consistently produced high-quality audit work focused on improving County programs and services.

As with any year, there were challenges. Our audit software required more staff time than anticipated due to technical issues, and ongoing budget reductions slowed progress on some planned audits. Even so, the office remained focused on delivering independent, objective work for the community.

Looking at 2026, we have a full and important year ahead. Our work will include audits and follow-up reviews, charter revisions, updates to policies and procedures, and key software decisions. We will also be conducting an office-wide risk assessment to help identify and prepare for issues that could affect our ability to serve the public effectively.

These reflection points are valuable. They help clarify priorities, identify gaps, and ensure the office is directing its limited resources to the areas of greatest impact.

Performance audits will always be our core responsibility. In 2026, I am also interested in exploring how the Auditor’s Office can provide limited technical assistance to County programs—such as short, best-practice papers on topics where we have seen recurring questions or differing interpretations on matters, such as data quality and the distinction between policies, procedures, practices, and guidance.

There is much work ahead, and I am encouraged by the opportunities it presents. The Auditor’s Office remains committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in County government. I look forward to the year ahead and to continuing this work on behalf of the Washington County community.

Auditor Issues 2025 Annual Report

The Washington County Charter requires the County Auditor to present an annual report to the Board of Commissioners. Auditor Kristine gave her report in December and highlighted several office achievements, including passing the office’s first-ever external quality review, proposing charter updates, and communication to the public on office happenings. Check out the office’s 2025 annual report!

Follow-up on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Workforce Development Grant Audit

The office performed its first annual review of implementation of the ARPA audit recommendations. The point of the audit was to determine if the County had achieved its objectives for the grant and whether community partners charged costs in compliance with federal requirements.

Implementation of recommendations varied. Five recommendations were in progress, one was open, and another not implemented. The County Auditor closed two recommendations, since the original two audit recommendations were not applicable due to program having changed circumstances.

As a special note, we commend the County’s Finance Department for the excellent progress they are making to address their specific recommendations.

Charter Revisions

The Auditor portions of the Washington County Charter have not been updated for a long time. In a November 4, 2025 work session, County Auditor Kristine proposed three minor revisions to the Charter, which addressed the qualifications to run for County Auditor, the residency requirements, and added that the County Auditor’s performance audits be conducted in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. The County Board gave the go-ahead for two public hearings of the revisions in January. After these hearings, the Board will consider placing the revisions on the ballot for the public’s consideration.

Status of Audit Schedule Projects

Call for Audit Topics!

Each year, I make decisions on what to audit at the County. I receive a lot of great ideas from folks, including the general public! I prioritize what audits we do to align with the limited resources we have; the office has been understaffed for years, and like other County departments, we will be undergoing our sixth year of budget cuts. That makes audit ideas that come in VERY IMPORTANT in what I consider to audit. If you have ideas, please let us know!  

Please submit any audit ideas through our contact form. The office will be taking ideas for 2026 until Friday, February 20th.

Did You Know...

January was named after the Roman god Janus. Janus was known as the god of beginnings, transitions, and endings. He is depicted looking forward and backward, representing his ability to see the past and the future.

Invite the Auditor!

If you’d like me and/or staff to attend or speak at a meeting with your community group, make a request by emailing us at: countyauditor@washingtoncountyor.gov.