In the first quarter of 2024, the OSA issued 7 audits, which is fewer than the 10 audits published during the same period in 2023. Based on this pace, it is estimated that the OSA will distribute 28 audits by the end of 2024, compared to 33 audits in 2023.

Audits released in Q1 2024 include:
1) Department of Fire Services
2) Division of Insurance
3) Division of Standards
4) Dukes County Sheriff’s Office—A Review of Inmates’ Healthcare Services
5) Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority
6) Bristol County Sheriff’s Office—A Review of Healthcare and Inmate Deaths
7) Military Division of the Commonwealth

The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) is a vital government watchdog, tasked with ensuring the responsible and efficient use of taxpayer dollars. But lately, the OSA's teeth seem to be blunted by a Chronic Case of the Slows.

Reports that should be completed in weeks are taking months, and even then, they often miss key deadlines. This sluggishness is raising eyebrows and casting doubt on the OSA's ability to effectively hold government agencies accountable.

What's behind the logjam? Whatever the reason, the consequences are serious. Delayed audits can mean millions of dollars in waste and abuse go undetected, unreported, and public trust in government erodes.
In the coming weeks, we'll be taking a deep dive into the OSA's audit delays, reviewing published reports, and examining the potential causes and solutions.

We'll also look at the impact of these delays on taxpayers and the government's ability to function effectively. Stay tuned for a hard-hitting investigation that will ...