Auditor responsibility dates back 169 years
The Clerk’s role as county auditor goes back to the Florida Constitution of 1838, which provides for the protection of public funds through the creation of an independent, elected chief financial officer in each county who would serve as the county’s accountant, treasurer, and auditor. In Palm Beach County, this official is the Clerk & Comptroller, a “watchdog” of county funds who is directly responsible to the citizens.
This unique, constitutionally-created audit function acts as the final check and balance on county expenditures. The clerk’s audit role is most effectively summarized in the 1984 Palm Beach County case of W & F Limited v. Dunkle. It states that the Clerk’s actions in this regard would
“. . . be an effective antidote to several political maladies found in other communities: the soap syndrome--one hand washes the other; complacency--be concerned only when someone gets caught, and lockjaw--don't rock the boat.”
The Clerk takes very seriously her responsibility to protect your tax dollars from theft, fraud and misappropriation and welcomes any comments or questions you may have about her auditor role. Please e-mail the Clerk at sbock@mypalmbeachclerk.com.