County Council Approves Audit of AACC

On Monday night, District 1 Councilman Daryl Jones proposed a resolution that would order a special efficiency audit of Anne Arundel Community College.

Jones said the audit was being ordered to measure the efficiency of the organization in preparation for new leadership at the college. The college’s president, Martha Smith, has announced her resignation to be effective on Aug. 1, 2012.

“I believe that it would only be appropriate that this council would have as much information as regards to the functioning of … the community college and the efficiency from which it is operated,” Jones said.

The impetus for the resolution came from discussions during budget talks earlier this year, Jones said. The council expects the audit to be finalized before next year’s budget talks begin.

The audit, to be assembled by county auditor Teresa Sutherland, will measure the college against other community colleges in the state, gauge the effectiveness of its facilities, compare pay and benefits, determine how the college implements furloughs, and obtain documentation to support the college’s decision to increase fees for seniors.

“The council believes it is essential to work in partnership with the Board of Trustees to prepare for the new leadership, given the fiscal challenges for the county,” according to the legislation, “and to obtain an accurate and complete picture of the community college’s operation, revenue structure and plans.”

The resolution passed unanimously.

Laurie Farrell, assistant director for public relations and marketing at AACC, said as of Tuesday afternoon, they had still not received official notice of the decision.

“We had heard it was a possibility, but it wasn’t listed on the agenda as of 4 p.m. Monday,” she said. “We have a strong fiscal oversight process in place, but we welcome a second pair of eyes to help identify further cost efficiencies and cost containment.”