State audits under way for Willard city, courts

Missouri State Auditor Susan Montee's office has started audits of the city of Willard and the Willard Municipal Court, the office announced last week.

The auditor's office received petitions with 490 signatures of registered resident voters requesting an audit of the city, according to a release from the auditor's office. A minimum of 362 signatures were required for the audit, according to state statutes.

State law requires the auditor to conduct an audit of any political subdivision if it is requested by enough registered voters in that subdivision, and the entity being audited must pay the cost of the process.

For cities with at least 1,000 voters in the last gubernatorial election, at least 15 percent of voters are required for a successful petition.

Montee's office has started the information-gathering portion of the process, and anyone with information or concerns is asked to call (800) 347-8597.