Justice court to be audited
Published Thursday, July 2, 2009
NATCHEZ — The Adams County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to audit the Adams County Justice Court.
The audit was prompted when the court’s chief clerk Betty Stiles retired Friday after more than 25 years on the job.
Adams County Chancery Clerk Tommy O’Beirne said it’s common practice for an accountant to review the court’s financial records when one clerk leaves and another takes over.
The court’s new chief clerk is Audrey Bailey, Bailey was appointed by the supervisors and was promoted from deputy clerk.
Justice Court Judge Charlie Vess said the court’s clerk is in charge of collecting fines and fees and delegating cases to the court’s judges.
And since the clerk is in charge of handling large amounts of cash — up to $80,000 a month — an audit of the books between clerks is common, Vess said.
“Checking the books is standard procedure,” Vess said.
O’Beirne said an accountant to conduct the audit will likely be hired this week.
Bailey started work Wednesday.