Windsor vs. S.C. Treasurer

It makes sense that the State of South Carolina would want its cities' and towns' finances to be scrutinized. There have been too many news stories over the years of people in responsible positions within municipal governments who have mismanaged or outright taken money.

Municipalities are required to send an audit of their finances each year to the office of the Treasurer of South Carolina. In many cases that seems appropriate, but there must be some sense of equity when it comes to small towns. The town of Windsor right here in Aiken County is a prime example.

Windsor was among those towns listed by Treasurer Converse Chellis as not having supplied an audit for 2008 as required by law. Town Mayor Frank Mizell says the town, with a meager budget, would go bankrupt if it has to get a complete audit to submit.

With only 100 residents, Windsor uses its annual budget to keep the town clean, cut the grass and maintain street lights. A full-blown audit might cost the town $5,000. Windsor stands to lose $792 in state funds if it does not comply submit the audit.

The Treasurer's office needs to bend the requirements to keep towns such as Windsor from facing the choice of being out of compliance or spending an exorbitant part of its budget on an annual audit.