NORTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN PARTY 1506 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, North Carolina 27605 Tele. (919) 828-6423 · Fax (919) 899-3815 · www.NCGOP.org   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 2005

 

State Auditor Les Merritt Offers

Vision & Progress in Annual Review

 

(RALEIGH) – State Auditor Les Merritt deviated from tradition Tuesday when issuing the annual report of the Office of the State Auditor.  Traditionally, the report is a summary of the agency’s actions over the previous year.  Being the first Republican to become State Auditor, Merritt also used the opportunity to lay out a roadmap to improve the auditing system. 

 

In a strategic plan, Merritt calls for a risk-based auditing system that will focus resources on areas of increased risk.  Under this approach, problem areas will be more closely monitored while fewer resources will be spent on areas that are obviously on track.  Merritt also plans to strengthen the oversight of nonprofit organizations, as well as better educate those groups and the governmental agencies that distribute the state funds. 

 

“Annual reports traditionally summarize what has happened in the previous year,” Merritt said in a press release.  “However, I wanted to add some details about what we are planning to do in the future as well. I think it is important for legislators and the public to know where we plan to go with the office.”

 

One significant accomplishment noted in the annual report was a reduction in the backlog of investigative requests.  When Merritt took office, the auditor’s investigative section had a backlog of 126 requests, some of which were more than two years old.  As of September 26, the backlog had been reduced to 31.  The section received 91 new requests this year, with the books still open on only 36 cases.

 

“The Office of the State Auditor is one of the most important positions in government,” said Ferrell Blount, Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party.  “Since taking office, Les Merritt has been effective in strengthening oversight, increasing efficiency, and eliminating waste and ‘red tape.’

 

“Les Merritt’s vision shows just how Republican leadership can improve state government: by using taxpayers’ money efficiently and responsibly.”

 

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