Auditor general to retire Sept. 10

Longtime state official Wayne Welsh is retiring after nearly 30 years in the Legislative Auditor General's Office, including more than two decades in the top spot.

As Utah's auditor general, Welsh and his 24-member staff are responsible for providing state lawmakers with an objective and independent analysis of government programs and finances.

Welsh will step down on Sept. 10. Deputy Auditor General John Schaff has been asked by the Legislative Audit Subcommittee to serve as the acting auditor general until a permanent replacement is named.

Senate President Al Mansell called Welch "an excellent, faithful steward of the state's resources" who saved taxpayers millions of dollars over the years. "We are sad to see him go," Mansell said.