State auditor probes Stone County collector's office

Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick's office this morning announced an audit of the Stone County collector's office over possible financial irregularities.

The audit was requested by the Stone County Commission after commissioners discovered the possibility of missing money, according to a news release from Fitzpatrick's office.

"We will conduct a thorough review of the office with the goal of providing answers for the Stone County Commission and all taxpayers in Stone County, who deserve to know if their tax dollars have been misused or even stolen," Fitzpatrick said in the release. "If we discover money is missing from the Stone County collector's office, we will do everything we can to ensure those who are responsible are held accountable for their actions."

The reason for the potential missing money was not disclosed in the release. Officials could not be reached for comment by deadline to provide further information.

The release indicates a 2021 audit of the Stone County collector's office found no issues.