Jackson County Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, September 10, at 10 a.m.

The commissioners approved the minutes from last meeting, Monday, Sept. 3

Reports were received and approved from the Election Board and the County Clerk’s Office.

Officers’ reports included the Sales Tax, Use Tax and Cigarette Tax from Treasurer Renee Howard. It was a mixed bag, with the Sales Tax down, and both Use Tax and Cigarette Tax up. Commissioner Marty Clinton reminded the officers of the employee meetings with AFLAC representatives on Sept. 24 and 25.

Blanket purchase orders were approved for all three Districts and the Jackson County Commissioners Office.

State Auditor Representative, Sherri Merle met with the County officials regarding the audit findings and responses for the Audit of 2010 and 2011 years. Merle said that the findings determined with Jackson County audits were very common among other smaller counties. Audits, she explained, are to prevent future problems. The new Federal regulations are much more stringent than the normal operating procedures from years past. The counties are all having to change their procedures to help prevent fraud, embezzlement, and errors. Most of the 2010 errors were also in the 2011 audit, because Jackson County and others, did not realize they needed to change procedures, Merle said. Many of the findings pertained to inadequate controls in certain areas. The newer standard business practices include segregation of duties, which is a real challenge in offices where there are few workers. Sharing cash drawers and not having enough people to cross-reconcile is often standard. Jackson County offices, in most cases are able to segregate duties and double-check deposits and receipts. Since communications were received from the Auditors Office, many of the situations that lead to minor findings have already been corrected. Jackson County was also audited in the Federal funding category since they received over $500,000 in FEMA funds. They earned an “unqualified” audit here, the best possible, Merle said.

The commissioners discussed the Proposed County Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. This will not be finalized until their meeting with the Excise Board.

The publication of Jackson County Estimate of Needs was approved. Proceedings for the month of August, were also approved.

There was no new business, and the claims were approved.