EPHRATA — As Election Day approaches, voters are considering not only who should lead county government offices, but how those offices can better serve the public through transparency, accessibility and efficient service.

For the final installment of the Columbia Basin Herald’s five-part candidate Q&A series, auditor candidates Shannon Falstad and Darci Homesley were asked: “Grant County residents expect government offices to be efficient, transparent and accessible. What's one area where the Auditor's Office is falling short today, and how would you address it differently than your opponent?”

Falstad: I do not believe the Auditor’s Office is currently falling short in these areas. In fact, there are already several ways the office provides accessible service to the public. For elections, the public can observe the election process. For licensing, residents have access to two subagents-Winzler Licensing in Moses Lake and Petersen Licensing in Quincy-which provides additional convenience and accessibility. For recording, the office accepts electronic recording, and the public can access the index through Eagle Web. That said, there is always room for improvement and welcome feedback from residents and employees. Listening to the people we serve and being willing to make improvements when needed is an important part of keeping county government efficient and accessible.

Homesley: One area I would focus on immediately is the accounting department, particularly the timely flow of financial information. County departments and other governmental entities need accurate, timely information to manage budgets, make sound decisions, and remain accountable for public dollars.

Timely financial reporting is more than good accounting practice; it is essential to transparency and accountability in government. Departments need reliable information about revenues and expenditures throughout the year—not months after it is most useful.

My approach would be hands-on. With more than 35 years of accounting, budgeting, and financial management experience, I understand deadlines, reconciliations, internal controls, accurate reporting, and the importance of providing financial information when it is needed. I would work directly with accounting staff to identify where processes are breaking down, establish clear expectations, and provide training and support.

Financial transparency also means making information understandable and accessible. Taxpayers should not have to be accountants to understand how their money is managed.

I can only speak to what I would bring to the office: decades of hands-on accounting and financial experience, in both the private and public sectors, experienced leadership, a commitment to supporting employees, and the knowledge to help rebuild reliable financial processes.

Ballots must be postmarked or placed in an official ballot drop box by Nov. 3. Voters can verify their registration status and find election information at VoteWA.gov. Grant County voters with questions can also contact the county elections office at 509-754-2011 ext. 2704.