HALFAX COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – Tensions flared at Halifax County’s Board of Supervisors meeting Monday night — not over what was on the agenda, but what wasn’t.
Several residents came to the meeting expecting discussion of a forensic audit released in March.
The audit identified multiple deficiencies in county operations, including a lack of formal policies and procedures and record-keeping practices that auditors said do not meet state requirements.
One resident warned that the audit’s findings warranted outside scrutiny, not a push to simply retrieve missing documents.
“If documents cannot be found through normal channels, it is a serious systematic issue that deserves independent review, not internal recovery efforts by formal professionals.”
Instead, the board voted to postpone any conversation about the audit, a decision that drew frustration from some in attendance.
“You do not simply move on from a forensic audit that revealed serious deficiencies in financial controls and documentation.”
After the board returned from closed session, Vice Chairman Robbie Smart made a motion to bring back former finance director Stephanie Jackson to assist in locating financial documents — a move he said is necessary as budget and tax-rate deadlines approach.
“We are weeks away from having to announce tax rates. We can’t do that unless we know what’s available, what we’re going to spend, and then we can come up with a budget. That’s all this is about — moving forward.”
The motion came after many residents had left the meeting.
Board members Pete Riddle and Bryant Claiborne opposed bringing Jackson back.
Supervisor Jeffrey Oakes said the board is being transparent with Halifax County residents while also working to move forward.
“We’re as transparent as we can be, considering what’s going on. And we’re going to move past it. We’ll be where we need to be in a few months, probably, and hopefully. But I’m fighting for the people.”
The board is expected to continue budget discussions at its next meeting on April 21.
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