(News release) – Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway announced her office has issued two subpoenas to compel the Smithville Fire Protection District and the Smithville fire chief to provide documents associated with an ongoing audit of the district.

“We have made numerous attempts to work with the district and its officials to get the information needed to conduct this audit, but they have failed to provide documents or sent incomplete records, slowing down our audit work,” Auditor Galloway said. “The citizens served by the Smithville Fire Protection District requested this audit and this lack of cooperation is a disservice to their efforts to pursue transparency in their local government.”

The subpoena includes a list of documents requested by the State Auditor that have not been provided. The district must send a representative to provide sworn testimony on these matters. In addition, the auditor’s office is requiring the fire chief provide sworn testimony.

The State Auditor is authorized by Missouri law to issue subpoenas to compel testimony and evidence as necessary to conduct an audit.