Julia Pierce | August 20, 2026 | Updated August 21, 2026

In previous publications, I evidenced that the Marion County financial audits had not been completed, which was the contributing factor to why Marion County had not been able to receive any grant money since 2023.

Documents produced via an open records request to the Marion County Manager’s clerk, Heather Wright, indicate that $11,650.00 was paid to Herbert Allen in 2025 for preparation of the 2024 audit and $40,850.00 was paid to B & A Accounting for that same 2024 Audit, in which Connie Harris, Marion County’s Manager, indicated in writing had not been started as of March of 2026.

Payment to Herbert Allen – Services Not Rendered

Payment to B & A Audits – Services Not Rendered

Connie Harris Admitted 2024 Audit Not Started as of March 2026

*This letter was sent by Connie on March 9, 2026, though she typed the date as March 9, 2023.

What I found out just today, is that the 2024 Audit was submitted by yet another auditor, David Benfield, in which I am awaiting open records to indicate how much we have paid him to prepare and submit the 2024 audit. Therefore, the total for a deficient audit may well be close to $100,000 for services not rendered or rendered poorly.

Email from Georgia Department of Audits & Accounts on August 20, 2026

Evidence of 2024 Audit Submitted by David Benfield

Letter of Deficiencies from 2024 Audit Prepared by David Benfield

Questions that Need Answers

Why did we pay two auditors for the same 2024 audit in 2025, if it wasn’t even started as of March of 2026 and wasn’t even prepared or submitted by either of them in 2026?

Did we ever get that money back to us for services not rendered?

Why is the 2024 Audit Still Deficient if we have a new auditor?

Where is Connie finding these auditors?

Stay tuned for updates to this publication as this is a developing investigation.

What do you think?

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