Audit findings released for Springfield, Aurora license offices

Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich's office yesterday released the findings from audits of two area license offices, Springfield's South Fremont License Office and the Aurora License Office.

Both offices received a "good" rating, the second-highest ranking available on the auditor's office scale of four, ranging from poor to excellent, according to the auditor's reports.

Audit findings for the two offices were similar, as each noted the need for improved accounting controls and procedures.

For the fiscal year ended June 30, the South Fremont License Office, under contract by Alternative Opportunities Inc., collected and remitted to the Missouri Department of Revenue roughly $15.4 million.

According to the audit report, the office didn't always accurately report the method of payment for transactions. An example in the report cited three deposits made Aug. 5-8 that were marked as paid with cash but actually paid with checks or credits cards. Some checks also were recorded as credit card charges.

Springfield's two other license offices on Park Central Square and South Glenstone Avenue were not included in the audits.

For the Aurora office, which was under contract by Denise Blauvelt for the year ended June 30, collections totaled approximately $1.7 million.

The report noted similar accounting missteps as in the South Fremont License Office audit. For the Aurora office, the auditor's office pointed to three deposits made from June 29-July 5, in which transactions recorded as paid with cash were paid for by check or credit cards, and checks were recorded as cash payments.

The auditor's office recommended that the South Fremont License Office and the Aurora License Office tighten controls to make sure payments match accounting records and deposits.

Both offices have said they are implementing the auditor's recommendations.

Local license offices manage several transactions, including renewing or applying for drivers' licenses, and renewing or applying for registration on vehicles. The Missouri Department of Revenue has appointed 183 contract agents to operate the offices.[[In-content Ad]]