MS HB690

Allows municipalities to utilize a competent accountant or certified public accountant to conduct annual audits, subject to State Auditor approval, instead of requiring audits by the State Auditor.

Permits county governments to employ a competent accountant or certified public accountant for postaudits or preaudits, subject to State Auditor approval, for services beyond what state appropriations cover.

Requires municipalities and counties using private accountants to pay audit costs from their general funds in accordance with uniform formulas set by the State Auditor.

Changes references from "State Tax Commission" to "Department of Revenue" in noncompliance procedures for municipalities failing to complete required audits.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.