Will Sheriff Tanner Finally Get Access to Beaufort County’s Spending Audit?

Will Sheriff Tanner Finally Get Access to Beaufort County’s Spending Audit?

Well, the wait and bated breath over this could soon be over as Beaufort’s County Council seems on the brink of a change of heart. Fueling the fire of the rumors is the upcoming County Council’s meeting slated for the 26th of this month, where the release of the much-debated county spending audit has found its way to the agenda table under the entry marked 16. If it indeed goes through, Sheriff P.J. Tanner could finally get his much-awaited access to this report.

Unraveling the Story

Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s request for a copy of the controversial spending audit from Beaufort County’s administration came in July. The audit had earlier stirred up quite a storm when County Council Chair Joseph Passiment declared that no evidence of criminal activity had been uncovered in this audit. Sheriff Tanner challenged this assertion and clarified that the definitive responsibility of determining criminality rests solely with law enforcement, not the county’s administration. To substantiate this determination, he argued his office needs unredacted access to the report and all supporting documents pertaining to the investigation, which cost taxpayers a hefty sum of $350,000.

However, County Administrator Michael Moore rejected Tanner’s request outright. He asserted that the report has attorney-client privilege, meaning only the council could decide to release this information. This stand may now change if the councilvote scheduled on August 26 swings in favour of releasing the audit to the Sheriff’s Office and possibly other state law enforcement agencies.

Public Pressure and Council Politics

Interestingly, many attribute this potential turnaround to public pressure and the influence of Council members. Councilmember David Bartholomew shares this view and suggests that several Council members were in favor of releasing the audit and believed it was the right thing to do. However, even if the Council decides to release this report to law enforcement, it may still not be made available to citizens of Beaufort County.

What’s so Special about this Audit?

The in-depth investigation was launched by the council following allegations of former County Administrator Eric Greenway’s misconduct and subsequent firing in July 2023. The county authorized a budget of $350,000 for conducting the audit, which was led by the law firm Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd. All of this has been shrouded in mystery as the county has not disclosed the actual sum spent on the audit that has now ignited such a public debate.

What Happens Next?

If the council does give a nod on the release of the audit, it is expected to add more fodder to the ongoing investigations. The receipt of the audit by Sheriff Tanner is expected to propel the investigation, and he plans to share the documents with the solicitor’s office, the State Law Enforcement Division, and the attorney general. As all eyes are now on the County Council’s decision, it seems like this saga of Beaufort County’s spending audit is far from over.