Whitley County Clerk Carolyn Willis has received a clean financial bill of health, according to a recently released audit by Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts Allison Ball’s office into her 2023 financial statement for the clerk’s fee account.
“The auditor noted no instances of non-compliance. The auditor also noted no matters involving internal control over financial reporting and its operation that were considered material weaknesses,” according to a release by Harmon’s office.
The county clerk’s responsibilities include collecting certain taxes, issuing licenses, maintaining county records and providing other services. The clerk’s office is funded through statutory fees collected in conjunction with these duties.
Willis’ office collected a total of $10,572,879 in licenses and taxes in 2023, including: $4,250,045 in motor vehicle usage tax, $4,188,978 in tangible personal property tax and $1,235,369 in motor vehicle licenses and transfers, according to the audit.
The office also collected $18,524 in notary fees, $11,680 in marriage license fees, $87,986 in deed transfer tax, $542,305 in delinquent taxes, $96,272 in title lien statements, and $59,620 in real estate mortgages, the audit stated.
The audit report can be found on the auditor’s website at https://www.auditor.ky.gov/Auditreports/Whitley/2023WhitleyFEC-audit.pdf.
State law requires the auditor to conduct annual audits of county clerks and sheriffs.
