Bill to update state auditing process for smaller municipalities passes House

Rep. Brad Boles

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Thursday approved legislation to modernize the state auditing process for municipalities with populations of 2,500 people or under.

House Bill 3269, authored by Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow), raises the municipal revenue amount to trigger a mandatory audit from $25,000 to $50,000. The bill also amends statute to subject municipalities with a population of less than 2,500 to audits biennially rather than annually and will update the municipal agreed upon audit procedures to modern day accounting audit procedures.

“This legislation is a reasonable way to modernize our auditing process for Oklahoma’s smaller communities, while also improving taxpayer transparency and accountability across the state,” Boles said. “I am thankful to State Auditor Cindy Byrd and her team for working with me on this bill and I look forward to seeing it succeed in the Senate as well. I really appreciate the support of my House colleagues on this important legislation.”

Under HB3269, the State Auditor and Inspector would prescribe the compliance requirements for these municipalities.

“It’s important that every level of government is transparent and accountable in the expenditure of taxpayer dollars,” said State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd. “People want to know what’s going on, especially at the local level. I appreciate Representative Boles carrying this legislation which is designed to ensure residents have the information they need while helping cities and towns meet the annual financial audit reporting requirements of state law.”

HB3269 passed the House 95-0. It is authored in the Senate by Sen. Chuck Hall (R-Perry), where it is now available for consideration.