At the request of area citizens the Missouri State Auditor’s Office will begin looking into the Smithville Area Fire Protection District.

State Auditor Nicole Galloway announced Wednesday that her office has started the audit of the fire protection district which serves both Clay and Platte counties. Her office said the audit was requested by citizens through the petition process, which allows Missouri citizens to request a local government audit by collecting and submitting a number of signatures based on the number of voters in that area.

“Citizens have asked for and we will provide a thorough and impartial review of operations of their local fire protection district,” Auditor Galloway said. “Government works best when citizens are engaged, and I encourage residents to contact our office if they have input or information.”

The Smithville Area Fire Protection District petition audit required 759 signatures from registered voters within the district. Individuals who would like to provide information for consideration during the audit may contact the State Auditor’s Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597 or [email protected]. Concerns may also be submitted anonymously online at auditor.mo.gov/hotline.