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.

Meetings:  

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

Composition:

Effective August 25, 2023, 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.

2023 Public Member Applications

The Commission Office is seeking public applicants for the newly restructured Audit Committee.  Please send letters of interest and resumes to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Attn: Commission Office, 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland, 20707.  To be considered, documents must be postmarked by September 28, 2023.  Alternatively, applicants may send letters of interest and resumes by email to the Corporate Secretary at julianne.montesdeoca@wsscwater.com by September 28, 2023.  

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.