State Auditor releases report on Cleveland County Sheriff's Office budget
Back in June 2024, Cleveland County Commissioners unanimously approved a transfer of funds to a 'taxpayer assisted bailout fund' to cover over $3 million in overspending by Sheriff Chris Amason.
The CCSO then suddenly announced layoffs in September, losing 25 staff members as well as five open staff positions.
The county later released payroll numbers from April 2020 to 2024, revealing an overall pay increase in many departments as well as an increase in staffing from an average 181 employees in 2020 to 223 employees in 2024.
Sheriff's budget battle in Cleveland County gets heated
These are some of the most notable findings in the special audit report released by State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd on Thursday:
Failure to stay within budget and not properly ensuring funds are available for expenditures before making purchases for at least 41 expenditures totaling nearly $130,000
Improper controls over travel expenses, which include costs for 24 out-of-state training conferences in Fiscal Year 2024 totaling over $33,000
Turnover in administrative staff responsible for properly documenting financial matters
The full audit report can be found here.
Amason posted the following statement on social media on Thursday afternoon following the release of the audit report.
This is not about numbers—it's about priorities. The repeated underfunding of the Sheriff's Office is not accidental. It reflects a pattern of strategic neglect disguised as budget management. While others played politics with public safety, this office continued doing the work the public expects and deserves.
My office has always welcomed transparency. What we won't tolerate is being targeted through bureaucratic sleight of hand while the community's safety and the livelihoods of dedicated employees are placed at risk. The public deserves to know the truth—and I'm here to ensure they do.
Cleveland County Sheriff Chris Amason
A Cleveland County spokesperson sent a release to News 4 saying the Cleveland County Budget Board is expected to determine next steps in the coming days after they review the audit.
Late Thursday, the District Attorney's office for Cleveland County said it is reviewing the State Auditor's Special Audit Report and its findings.
The review is underway, and once that is complete, a decision will be made on how to proceed.
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