NC State Auditor Dave Boliek joins First News on 570, live in-studio, to discuss his office's efforts to ensure that funds allocated for Hurricane Helene recovery are being used effectively in Western North Carolina. With a focus on data-driven analysis, the auditor's office is working to decipher how money flows and identify areas where improvements can be made.

As the state auditor, Boliek shares his experiences of being on the ground, meeting with local leaders and county commissioners to understand the challenges they face in deploying funds. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and trust with these communities, which is crucial for the auditor's office to be effective in its oversight role. Boliek also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, citing examples of past audits that have led to significant changes in how local governments manage their finances.