Judge Doyal Welcomes Committee to Review Co. Finances

CONROE, TX — Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal announced Friday that his office has received notice that 435th state District Judge Patty Maginnis has appointed a finance committee to review the financial condition of Montgomery County.

Under Sec. 115.033 of the Texas Government Code, the committee must be composed of three persons who are citizens of the county, are of good moral character and intelligence, and are experienced accountants.

The three selected are Landon Estay, Brenda Webb and James E. Wiggins. Judge Doyal welcomed the review.

"Openness and transparency are pillars of democracy" said Judge Doyal, who will direct all departments to cooperate fully and is "looking forward to an excellent report."

The committee will examine all of the books, accounts, reports, vouchers, and orders of the Commissioners Court relating to the county and count all the money in the Office of County Treasurer that belongs to the county and make any other examination that it considers necessary and proper to determine the true condition of the county finances.

"It is an excellent committee," said Montgomery County Treasurer Stephanne Davenport. "I look forward to working with them in every way possible."

The committee has complete autonomy and authority. Its scope of work is broad and involves accuracy and the committee can request additional authority from the District Judge if necessary.

The committee will file a written report of its findings to the 435th state District Court. The report is required to state whether the books and records are properly kept, fully set out the financial condition of the county and the state of each officers account, as well as any irregularities, omissions or wrongdoing. In some ways, it will mirror the work already done by County Auditor Phyllis Martin.

Martin, appointed by the county’s state District Court judges, serves as the county’s budget officer and internal auditor in keeping with state statutes.

Furthermore, her office produces a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report each year that is audited by an outside firm.

Martin said the county fully complies with all state and federal statutes and the Texas Constitution, and that the county’s finances have been strong enough to earn a rating of Aaa from Moody’s – the highest rating possible. Martin said she welcomes any additional review of her office’s work.

The Court has ordered that the committee be compensated $3 per day each for their service. “We are blessed to have such capable people willing to do this service for their county,” said Treasurer Davenport.

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