Audit Committee

The Audit Committee oversees the work of any registered public accounting firm employed by the Commission in accordance with its procurement regulations issued pursuant to Public Utilities Article, § 17-403, Annotated Code of Maryland; resolves any audit disagreements; authorizes internal investigations into any relevant matter; has the ability to retain independent counsel, accountants, or others to advise or assist the Committee; seeks any information it requires from Commission books, records, facilities, and employees; and as necessary, meets with WSSC management and staff, external auditors, or outside counsel.

Audit Committee Charter

Meetings:  

• The Audit Committee Meets Quarterly.
• The Open Sessions of the Audit Committee are open to the public.

Composition:

The Audit Committee is composed of:

• One Commissioner from Montgomery and Prince George’s County (selected by the Commission Chair); 
• One public member from Montgomery and Prince George’s County (nominated by the Commissioner Committee Members); and 
• The Commission Chair as an ex-officio, non-voting member.

Public Members Qualifications:

A public member of the audit committee shall possess:
    (i) higher education and experience in the management of governmental entities that are comparable to the commission in scope and complexity; 
    (ii) demonstrated knowledge and experience in the application of:
        1. Generally accepted government auditing standards; 
        2. Generally accepted accounting principles; or
        3. Internal control systems; and
    (iii) an understanding of or the ability to develop the understanding of the appropriate functions of an audit committee.

A public member of the audit committee may possess demonstrated knowledge and experience in the application of:
        (i) sustainable financial management practices for public entities; or
       (ii) public accountability.

A public member of the audit committee may not have any other business or close personal relationships with the commission or its commissioners, managers, or employees.

Public Member Terms:

The term of a public member is two years and a public member may serve no more than three consecutive terms.