The state Auditor’s Office says a Tri-Cities area fire district didn’t have adequate controls in place to ensure its financial reporting was complete and accurate. 

The auditor’s office reviewed Benton Fire District 4’s finances from 2020-22 and issued the finding in a report released in late June. Auditors said the fire district, which covers more than 50 square miles in and around West Richland, didn’t have a process for an independent staff or board member to review finances, including adjustments.  

That meant thousands of dollars in adjustments were made without a secondary review, the report said. Auditors also said the district didn’t stay updated on some new reporting requirements and accounting changes. 

In a response, the district said it “values the insights” in the report and has taken or is taking steps to correct the issues, including appointing a new finance manager, restructuring its financial processes and establishing secondary review procedures.