Adams County board directs county clerk to audit treasurer’s office after township discrepancies; vote splits two to support no further amendment

Adams County supervisors voted on March 18, 2025, to direct the county clerk to audit the county treasurer’s office following reports from town officials of unexplained settlement discrepancies. The board adopted Resolution 8 (audit of the treasurer’s office) after public testimony from township officials and extended discussion among supervisors and county legal staff; the resolution passed by recorded vote, with Supervisor Podowski and Supervisor McLaughlin recorded as voting no.

Doreen Olsen, treasurer for the Town of Strongs Prairie, addressed the board during public participation and described her attempts to reconcile what she said were overcharges to her township’s February settlement. Olsen said she and the town clerk spoke with the county treasurer on Feb. 17; when the town’s follow-up showed numbers that “didn't match or even come close,” Olsen said she elevated the matter to the county administrator. Olsen told supervisors that the county treasurer “stands by what she did in accordance with state statute” but that town officials believe a payment of $24,544.58 should be cut because the township is losing interest on the funds. Olsen also said a remaining unexplained difference of “a hundred and 42 0 9” remained; she asked the board for a county audit to clarify the reconciliation and to ensure the treasurer’s office and township offices can finalize settlements accurately in future years.

Town government leaders Tory Wolfram (Town of New Haven) and Dan McFarland (Town of Delton Prairie) also spoke in favor of the audit during public participation.

County legal counsel explained the statutory basis for the clerk’s audit authority and why the audit was recommended: under Wisconsin Statute 59.47, in counties that have not established a separate county auditor, the county clerk acts as the county auditor and may audit county offices. Counsel said the present audit followed identification of reconciliation discrepancies on the 2024 tax collection and settlement process and that the recommendation for an audit came from outside counsel.

Supervisor debate centered on fairness, scope and process. Supervisor Posdowski and others expressed concern that singling out the treasurer — a constitutionally elected official — could look like a political attack. Several supervisors said they support transparency and audits but urged an approach that treats all departments equally. Supervisor Dozle proposed to expand the audit resolution to apply to all county departments with random audits, and to have audits conducted by an external third party paid from existing legal or contingency funds; corp. counsel advised the board that the county clerk has statutory duties as county auditor in counties without a separate auditor, and the board cannot unilaterally displace that statutory duty by resolution. An amendment to expand the resolution to audit all departments was moved and failed on a roll call (final recorded tally on the amendment: 6 yes, 13 no).

After discussion, the county board voted to adopt Resolution 8 directing the county clerk to audit the county treasurer’s office pursuant to Wis. Stat. 59.47. The clerk recorded the final vote on the resolution as 17 yes and 2 no (Supervisor Podowski and Supervisor McLaughlin). The resolution text as presented directs the county clerk to proceed with an audit of the treasurer’s office; it does not specify external auditor use or a countywide audit program.

Ending: Supervisors and speakers emphasized the need to reconcile township accounts and to preserve public confidence in county finances. The resolution directs the clerk to audit the treasurer’s office; several supervisors said they would continue to press for consistent accounting practices and training so town and county settlements reconcile quickly in future years.