Owen County commissioners say State Board of Accounts will review 2023–24 finances after payroll and out‑of‑cycle concerns

Owen County commissioners announced on Tuesday that the State Board of Accounts will conduct a review of the county’s 2023 and 2024 financial records after the county found unexpected out‑of‑cycle claims and internal irregularities.

Commissioner: “Nobody stole any money. I wanna make that clear,” the commissioners said during the meeting, but they added the county had found instances of mishandling and accounting issues that require outside review.

The commissioners said payroll and claims totals were approved at the meeting: payroll of $334,271.48 and regular claims totaling $233,830.66 (which includes $34,881.64 in highway claims). They also approved out‑of‑cycle claims of $181,460.90; commissioners said $151,149.50 of that amount was insurance-related.

Why it matters: The county’s disclosure prompted the State Board of Accounts to schedule a visit next week to examine contracts, transfers and appropriations for 2023 and 2024. Commissioners said findings from that review will be made public once the board completes its work.

Commissioners described the problems as “mishandling” rather than theft and said some departments—particularly the highway department—are carrying shortfalls. The county has already made staffing adjustments in some departments and said payroll pressures remain the principal budgetary problem.

As part of corrective steps, commissioners told the county council they intend to present a proposal to create or hire a human resources administrator. Commissioners said the county attorney previously performed HR duties but has declined to continue in that role; commissioners said an HR administrator could have “nipped” personnel problems earlier.

What was discussed: Commissioners described internal work identifying issues and thanked county staff (naming Sheila Reeves in the meeting) for uncovering items to be shared with the State Board of Accounts. The board will examine the county’s contracts, transfers and appropriations. Commissioners said they will continue to work within current revenue and budget constraints for 2025 and will report progress to the public.

Next steps: The State Board of Accounts visit is scheduled next week; commissioners said the board’s findings will be made public. Commissioners also plan to present a human resources administrator proposal to the county council at its next meeting.

Ending: County officials urged patience while the audit proceeds and said they will inform residents when the State Board of Accounts completes its review.