Record of Results
Independent oversight, clear public reporting, and practical improvements for Washington County
22
Audit recommendations issued
Focused on efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability across County operations.
86%
Management agreement rate
Demonstrates practical recommendations that leadership accepted and could implement.
1st
External quality review passed in 40+ years
Independent confirmation the Office meets professional auditing standards.
What We've Delivered
Kristine’s first term focused on strengthening accountability and transparency in Washington County government — with independent work, publicly reported results, and consistent follow-through.
Accountability & Oversight
The Auditor’s role is to evaluate systems objectively and recommend practical improvements.
Independent audit work
- Issued 22 audit recommendations over three years to improve County operations.
- Achieved an 86% agreement rate from County management on recommended improvements.
Professional standards verified
- Passed the first external quality review (“Audit of the Auditor”) in the 40+ year history of the elected office.
- Confirmed the Office meets professional auditing standards and best practices.
Stronger charter foundations
Submitted revisions for County Auditor portions of the Washington County Charter to clarify qualifications to run and ensure all future performance audits are conducted according to Government Auditing Standards.
Transparency & Public Input
Oversight works best when the public can see the work and influence what gets reviewed.
More communication
- Quarterly newsletters
- Email updates
- Social media updates
- Media releases to the press
More ways to be heard
- Annual public call for audit topic ideas
- Public feedback options on published audits and follow-up reviews
Building a Strong Auditor's Office
A high-performing Auditor’s Office requires clear direction, measurable goals, and strong technical capability.
Strategic plan & performance measures
Developed an office strategic plan and performance measures for public accountability and planned direction.
Stronger staff expertise
Supported all employees in earning their Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certifications to strengthen audit capability and fraud awareness.
Looking Ahead
Priorities for the Next Term
The Office has made meaningful progress — and the next term will focus on closing accountability gaps, strengthening public connection, and increasing impact.
Accountability
Charter + authority clarity
Public connection
More listening + clearer reporting
Impact
Best-practice guidance on repeat issues
Charter improvements for accountability
Update outdated charter language and strengthen the Auditor’s authority to access information, people, property, and records.
- Regular charter reviews
- Clear authority where gaps exist
- Ability to audit related entities where appropriate
Better ways to connect with residents
Build on successful communication and learn from peer auditors to improve how the Office listens to public ideas and shares results.
- New approaches to listening
- Clearer explanations of results
- More accessible reporting
Technical guidance to prevent repeat issues
In addition to performance audits, provide limited best-practice guidance on recurring issues to improve impact.
- Data quality guidance
- Performance measurement support
- Practical tools for programs