"Our review of the complaints is ongoing," said spokesman Danny Brazell. "We have talked with Ms. Wright about some of the complaints, but (the investigation) is ongoing, and as is our policy, we won't comment."
But department director Burnie Maybank said even if the investigation results in findings of wrongdoing, the Department of Revenue wouldn't pursue the case.
"The allegations made to us don't fall within our jurisdiction," Maybank said, "but they do fall within the jurisdiction of the State Ethics Commission."
Wright, who plans to retire at the end of the year, previously has denied any wrongdoing. Her office said she was working from home Thursday; several calls to her home went unanswered.
An internal audit of the assessor's office raised some questions, and county administrator Gary Kubic asked the state Department of Revenue to conduct a formal inquiry earlier this year.
Kubic refused to comment on the inquiry because the investigation is open.
"I'm not commenting on any aspect," Kubic said. "The information and process is with the state of South Carolina. I'm not commenting one way or another."
The county conducted an internal audit of Wright's office at some point in the past few years, but it is unclear exactly when. In August, Kubic said county staffers had completed audits of five departments, including the assessor's office.
But officials have turned down repeated requests from The Island Packet under the S.C. Freedom of Information Act to see the assessor's office audit.
Kubic said Thursday the audit was partially conducted but was halted by his predecessor, John Kachmar.
"It's not completed. It was never completed. It was in draft form. It was never finalized, it was stopped. Go ask Kachmar. I got half of a report," Kubic said. "I turned the matter over to the state."
Kachmar could not be reached for comment Thursday.