KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After Clay County citizens called for more transparency from their government, Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway announced Tuesday that her office has begun an audit of the county.
The audit was initiated after Galloway's office received a petition calling for the audit with more than 5,590 signatures from registered voters.
In June, 41 Action News reported that Citizens For A Better Clay County collected more than 9,100 signatures for the petition. Members of the group said they believe their tax money is being wasted and want more accountability from county leaders.
In a release announcing the audit, Galloway said, "An audit can serve as a tool to help county officials most effectively and efficiently use the taxpayer dollars entrusted to them and make improvements to better serve their constituents."
Galloway also encouraged Clay County residents with information that may be helpful to her to contact the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by calling 800-347-8597. Concerns can also be submitted anonymously at auditor.mo.gov/hotline.
