Election 2026: Auditor Candidate Michele Fleenor

Although the first filing date for the 2026 election isn’t until January 7, several local candidates have already announced plans to run. Among them is Washington County's current Deputy Auditor Michele Fleenor (R), who recently spoke with The Washington County Times  about her intention to run for County Auditor.

Publisher's Note: The Washington County Times does not endorse political candidates. Our mission is to provide balanced and informative coverage of local politics so our readers can make their own informed decisions at the ballot box. We aim to give all candidates a fair opportunity to share their views and connect with the community. This Q&A is part of that commitment to open, unbiased political reporting.

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WCT: Hi Ms. Fleenor, thank you for agreeing to this Q&A! Can you tell us about your professional background and any experience that has prepared you for the role of County Auditor?

FLEENOR: I have worked in the Auditor's Office as a financial deputy for 25 years. This includes budgeting, property tax settlements, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, Council secretary and various other tasks.

WCT: What motivated you to run for Washington County Auditor?

FLEENOR: After working under five auditors, I would like to continue working on the issues and concerns we are currently experiencing to help Washington County and its citizens. With the passage of Senate Bill 1 the county will need to be conservative in spending and make some tough decisions in the future.

WCT: You mentioned Senate Bill 1 and the need for conservative spending. Can you elaborate on how you believe the bill will impact Washington County specifically, and what kinds of “tough decisions” might need to be made?

FLEENOR: While Senate Bill 1 will give some property tax relief, Washington County could lose up to 1.4 million dollars and that revenue will have to be made up somewhere. Our police, ambulance and judicial system is approximately 80% of the county budget. These are vital services that need to be maintained. The tough decisions will be on whether we will have to raise the county local income tax to offset the revenue losses or really start debating the "wants vs. needs".

Our current Council does not want to raise income taxes so that is where departments and the Council will have to be watchful of spending. I, personally, do not want to raise the income tax at all, but I think the State is trying to force counties into doing just that. So far no one at the state level can answer any of our questions concerning the impact of the bill and that is very frustrating. 

WCT: What do you see as the core responsibilities of the Auditor’s office? What is your top priority?

FLEENOR: The Auditor is the chief financial officer of the county and maintains all county financial activities, maintains property tax records and distributions to taxing units with the county along with annual financial reporting to the State Board of Accounts. The auditor is also the clerk of the county commissioners and county council. 

I will continue to provide accurate accounting and fiscal responsibility. Beyond that, I would like more public records to be accessible online if there is money available in the budget to do so.

WCT: County finances can be complex. How would you promote fiscal responsibility and accountability within county government?

FLEENOR: Provide more thorough communication with departments on internal controls and looking at areas spending could be reduced to provide for a more efficient government. Currently, we do have a system in place for accountability that I feel works well but there is always room for improvement.

WCT: What is your approach to transparency? How will you help taxpayers better understand how their money is being spent?

FLEENOR: I believe in full transparency. All records within the Auditor's office are public records except for some personnel items.

There is currently an open-door policy in the Auditor's office. Citizens can request copies of budgets, accounts payable et., and I plan on continuing that policy. Online media platforms will play an important role keeping the public informed. I personally want to invite taxpayers in to sit down and answer any questions concerning county financials.

WCT: How would you handle discrepancies or concerns in financial reporting or budgeting?

FLEENOR: Our office works closely with the Treasurer's Office and other departments to balance every day so discrepancies can be addressed in a timely manner. The office keeps up to date with bulletins from the State Board of Accounts and the Department of Local Government Finance to make sure financial reporting and budgeting are done correctly.

WCT: Technology plays a growing role in public records and finance. Do you have any plans to modernize or improve efficiency in the Auditor’s office?

FLEENOR: As of today, we are as up to date as software will allow. We would like to scan the Auditor's property transfer books online for the community to be able to research but, once again, it depends on funding.

WCT: How would you collaborate with other county officials and departments to ensure accurate budgeting and record-keeping?

FLEENOR: I would like to meet with departments on a quarterly basis to address/discuss any concerns or questions they may have about budgeting and record-keeping.

WCT: What qualities or experiences do you believe set you apart from any opponents you may have in this race?

FLEENOR: My 25 years of working in the Auditor's office has given me the opportunity to learn each job and function in the office and will allow me to successfully ensure the office maintains its efficiency and will continue to move forward in the future.

WCT: Thank you again for taking the time to answer these questions!  Do you have any final thoughts you'd like to share with Washington County voters?

FLEENOR: I believe my 25 years experience has prepared me to be County Auditor and serve the citizens of Washington County. I would appreciate your vote in May 2026.