KENANSVILLE — Although attendance was limited for Tuesday night’s second public forum regarding the county’s audit, representatives from Evergreen Solutions, LLC, were not dismayed.

Evergreen president Dr. Linda Recio, Ph.D, commented saying, “Well 10 is better than zero!”

Commissioners OK’d the governmental audit after Evergreen completed one of the county school system. It is, county officials have said, a way to evaluate what is being done in the county and what needs improving, as well as give citizens a chance to have their own glimpse into— and say about — Duplin’s operation.

In the first public forum held in conjunction with the commissioners meeting, Monday, Aug. 3, no one was present to comment on the audit. Around 10 individuals came to voice or write their concerns regarding county operations to the audit committee.

According to Recio, the committee consists of eight members, each with their own expertise in the various areas to be studied during the audit. For example, committee member Jerry Williams is a CPA and has been sifting through the enormous financial records of the county. Others work with public works or maintenance with someone covering each areas to be studied in the county for the audit. Recio did express, however, that since Evergreen had already done an extensive audit of the Duplin County Schools, they would not be included in this docment.

Dr. Jeff Ling, Ph.D, shared that the cooperation and accessibility provided by county officials had been very good. “We have a lot of support from the department heads as we have already met with them, and during this second phase of our audit the focus is turning to the county employees. So far everyone has been so up front and open to provide us with the necessary information we have been requesting.” Ling went on to explain the setup for the forum, saying that newsprint had been placed around the room in the Ed Emory Auditorium at Duplin Commons, with topic headers at the top of each sheet.

It was hoped that as many Duplin citizens as possible would turn out to either write their concerns on the sheets or share individually with one of the eight committee members who where present at the forum.

“We also had breakout sessions planned for the ones who came so they could speak individually with the consultant to share either multiple or single concerns about the county’s operation. Our purpose it to determine what the county is doing right and suggest improvements in areas of concern that we discover during the audit,” Ling said.

He also shared that the committee expects to spend three more days speaking with employees and staff members in the fact-finding process. At the end of a two-three month compilation period, a report will be provided to the commissioners regarding Evergreen’s findings.

Ling made one final comment regarding county manager Mike Aldridge. “Mike has done a wonderful job making all materials, forms, files, information and the individuals we needed to speak with thus far and I have been very impressed with his participation in the process.”

Aldridge, who was in attendance for the public forum, stated “I felt we would have had a better turnout since we have publicized this opportunity for the public to give their input. I am a bit surprised at the small number that have come today. We have had a diverse group of people that did come to share their concerns, such as a school board member and some with tax concerns. In talking with the department heads that have communicated with me, they have shared that the audit interview has been a very productive and positive experience. They all said they were a bit apprehensive before the interview but following the committee members visit they were more comfortable and secure with what the audit will show.”

One citizen that came out to express his concern was Jimmy Sauls and he shared that some times he speaks before his mind gets everything in order but he felt this time it was the proper thing to do to come share the concerns he felt were important for a more accurate audit of the county’s affairs.

Recio also expressed disappointment with the day’s turnout but was optimistic that everything with the audit was moving along well. “We had the entire committee here today ready to take comments from all who came, and we did have some good response from the ones who did come. When we first began the audit we had around 30 to 40 comments to come in on the website.”

Anyone can access Evergreen Solutions to give input by either going to the Duplin County website, www.duplincountync.com or directly e-mailing concerns to info@consultevergreen.com. All comments may be done anonymously if so desired.

Evergreen officials shared that once all the data is collected the eight members of the committee would come together to formulate the final report based on their findings and then share recommendations.

“It is amazing the multiple documents and vast amount of material we are having to go through but it will all serve for a more accurate audit. We will be conducting follow-ups next week with some of the employees and staff members and will also be conducting follow-up phone calls as well. Some of us will return for further clarification and research before the final audit report is produced.” Recio expressed that it would not be necessary for all committee members to return but those that needed to would have the opportunity. Although the exact date has not been set for the final cumulative report but it should be submitted mid-fall.

Finally Recio shared that everyone had been very open with the needed and requested information and the committee had been given so much freedom to visit work sites and speak with any employee or staff member the committee desired to speak with. “This audit process thus far has been a very positive experience and I expect that will result in some very positive things learned about Duplin County.”

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.