State Auditor's Task Force Reaches Out to Rural Communities

State Auditor Balderas(right) speaks to group

State Auditor Hector Balderas has launched a new effort to help government entities in rural communities meet their auditing requirements, which can be economically challenging for many. The State Auditor’s Task Force on Rural Accountability held its first meeting on Monday, July 14, at the State Capitol in Santa Fe. According to a statement from the State Auditor's office, Task Force members from communities throughout the state joined State Auditor Hector Balderas, including State Representative Joni Marie Gutierrez and State Senator Phil Griego.

“I was raised and educated in Wagon Mound, and therefore have a deep understanding of the many challenges facing rural communities,” Balderas said. “I convened this task force as a first-step in finding long-term solutions for rural governments that are economically impacted by the annual audit requirement.”

Rep. Joni Gutierrez and others at meeting

Representative Gutierrez added, “I strongly support Auditor Balderas’ commitment to address a long-standing issue facing many of New Mexico’s smaller municipalities and governmental entities. I represent several rural communities that lack the resources to be fully compliant with the annual audit requirement.  I look forward to working with the members of the task force to find a solution to a critical issue that hinders the practice of good, accountable government.”

All government agencies are required by state law to have an annual audit conducted of their financial affairs.  The agencies are also required to pay the audit costs, which can greatly impact the budgets of smaller agencies such as land grants and soil and water conservation districts. The Task Force will gather information and hear testimony from citizens across the state on the effects of the annual audit requirement on rural communities. Balderas has requested that the Task Force examine approaches to solving the problem and make recommendations, which may include proposed changes to state law.

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