State Report: MN Auditor Should Let Controversial Law Proceed

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A new state report is urging Minnesota's auditor to let a controversial new law curbing her office's authority to run its course.

Minnesota lawmakers passed a measure last year allowing counties to outsource financial audits to private companies. State Auditor Rebecca Otto has criticized the law and run up more than $100,000 in legal fees as she weighs a possible constitutional challenge.

A review by the Office of the Legislative Auditor released Wednesday found some counties save money by using private firms, but couldn't say whether those savings were justified. The review says the new law is an opportunity to compare itself with external auditors and improve.

Otto doesn't see it that way. She responded to the review by saying she believes she has a duty to audit county governments.