County Executive Vetoes Internal Auditor Bill Over Accountability Concerns

WICOMICO COUNTY, MD - Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano has vetoed Legislative Bill 2025-14. The legislation proposed changes to the County's internal auditor position.

Giordano cited concerns regarding independence, transparency, and unequal accountability as the primary reasons for the decision.

A central issue identified in the veto was the creation of disparate standards for different branches of government. The legislation allowed the County Council to exempt itself from professional audit standards while executive departments remained subject to strict rules.

Giordano stated, "The public expects all parts of County government to be held to the same standards. This bill fails that test."

Giordano argued that establishing two different sets of rules undermines equal accountability across the government. She addressed the imbalance directly. "This creates a system where executive departments and County operations are audited under strict professional rules, while the legislative branch is not," Giordano explained. "That is not fair, not balanced, and not what the public expects."

The veto also highlighted concerns regarding the auditor's independence. The bill permitted outside bodies, including the County Council, to direct, limit, or waive audit work. Giordano noted that true independence requires the auditor to be free from political influence, particularly when reviewing elected officials. She remarked, "You cannot claim independence while allowing those being audited to control the audit."

Additionally, the bill excluded specific oversight activities from global internal audit standards. These exclusions included fiscal impact reviews, ethics hotline investigations, and work requested by individual council members.

Giordano warned, "Exempting this work means some of the most sensitive oversight functions would operate without consistent rules or safeguards." She further noted that encoding these exemptions into law could weaken future accountability.

Giordano emphasized that the veto focused on the structure of the legislation rather than opposition to internal auditing itself. She expressed a desire for a fair approach moving forward. "I support a strong internal auditor who operates independently and holds everyone to the same professional standard-including the County Council," she said. "I remain willing to work with the Council on legislation that provides true independence, consistent standards, and equal accountability for all branches of County government."