Newton County is implementing changes to address issues discovered during the forensic audit of the county’s financial practices last year, according to a news release from Newton County Public Information Officer Bryan Fazio.

The findings of the audit were the subject of a Grand Jury presentment published in The Covington News Jan. 15.

The county’s Chief Accounting Officer Nicole Cross briefed the board of commissioners (BOC) on the changes at the board’s meeting Jan 17.

According to the release, the county is changing the way it handles its SPLOST funds and Impact fees. It is also establishing a policy book to will deal with financial matters including internal controls, procurement, check signing, cell phones, travel and take home vehicle policies.

The release also states that the BOC has sent an ethics policy to be reviewed by County Attorney Megan Martin. The policy will address conflicts of interest and is scheduled to be considered by the BOC Feb 21.

Also, according to the release, the county landfill is now under the operation of the Solid Waste Authority. The new landfill manager, Kevin Walters, was introduced to the BOC during the Jan 17 meeting.

To read the complete press release, go to www.ncboc.com.