During a recent government meeting, a concerned citizen raised significant issues regarding the financial management of the Sherman County Sheriff's office, specifically focusing on the jail commissary fund. The individual, who emphasized that their statements were made on behalf of Sherman County residents hesitant to voice their concerns, detailed findings from open records requests submitted in July.

The citizen highlighted two resolutions adopted on August 13, 2019, which pertain to the jail commissary fund. These resolutions, signed by commissioners Larry Enfield, Rod Blake, and John Toplift, mandated that the fund be monitored by the county. However, the citizen discovered that the Sheriff's office had established a separate bank account at Western State Bank, which operates under its own tax identification number, contrary to the resolutions. This raises concerns about the lack of oversight, as the account has not been audited as part of the county's annual financial review.

The citizen presented bank statements indicating that the account, active since 2014, had a beginning balance of $7,237.52 in January 2019 and an ending balance of $14,805.78 by June 30 of the same year. This financial activity suggests a significant increase in funds, yet the lack of county oversight remains troubling.

Additionally, the citizen referenced a letter from the county attorney general's office from July 2017, which addressed whether the sheriff could maintain a separate bank account for inmate funds and commissary revenues. The responses to these inquiries raised further questions about accountability and the proper management of public funds.

The citizen concluded their presentation by urging the county officials to consider these findings seriously, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to established financial protocols to protect the interests of Sherman County residents.