Section 54-10-15 - Audits of political subdivisions by request of governor or order of the legislative audit and fiscal review committee, upon petition, or upon request of the state court administrator1. The state auditor, by duly appointed deputy auditors or other authorized agents, shall audit or review the books, records, and financial accounts of any political subdivision when ordered by the legislative audit and fiscal review committee. The state auditor, by duly appointed auditors or other authorized agents, may audit or review the books, records, and financial accounts of any political subdivisions when requested by the governor, requested by the governing board, or upon petition of at least thirty-five percent of the qualified electors of any political subdivision enumerated in section 54-10-14 voting for the office of governor at the preceding general election or, in the case of school districts, upon petition of at least thirty-five percent of the qualified electors voting at the preceding school board election, or upon the request of the state court administrator with respect to clerk of district court services provided by a county in accordance with chapter 27-05.2. Fees for the audits must be paid in accordance with the provisions of section 54-10-14.2. If an audit is ordered due to financial irregularities or allegations of embezzlement, the governor may suspend an elected or appointed school board member from the individual's duties if the governor determines suspension is in the best interest of the state pending the results of the audit. If the governor suspends an elected or appointed school board member, the governor immediately shall provide notice to the school board with which the suspended member serves. Within five days of receiving notice, the school board shall appoint an individual to replace the suspended member to serve during the pendency of the audit. The governor shall consult with the superintendent of public instruction in determining whether suspension of a member of a school board is in the best interest of the state.Amended by S.L. 2023 , ch. 468( SB 2180 ), § 3, eff. 7/1/2023, app. retroactively to cases arising after 1/1/2022.Amended by S.L. 2019 , ch. 156( HB 1501 ), § 2, eff. 4/11/2019.