PASCO, Wash. – A recent report from the Washington State Auditor, delivered to NonStop Local News by the Franklin County Administrator, alleges significant financial oversight issues at the Franklin County Jail, attributing the lack of proper controls to the Sheriff’s Office.
The audit revealed that since 2018, the food service management company contracted to provide commissary services had stopped sending required monthly statements and commissions.
This oversight resulted in the county not receiving $937,000 in commissary commissions until the issue was raised in August 2024 by the newly appointed Corrections Commander, the report said.
In addition, the audit said mismanagement of a medical services account was discovered. The county paid approximately $1,211,371 more than contracted amounts for jail medical services between 2020 and 2024.
The medical services provider had invoiced the county for services not included in the contract, according to the report.
Staff at the Sheriff’s Office were responsible for monitoring these contracts but failed to follow up on discrepancies, the report stated.
The Board of County Commissioners received the report and is now responsible for implementing controls to address these findings.
The State Auditor’s Office routinely conducts audits to ensure proper use of state and federal funds.
