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Todd County commissioners approve warrant run but question $7,876 payment for dispatch chairs
Summary
During the July 15 meeting commissioners approved the commissioner warrant run but pressed staff for procurement documentation after discovering a $7,876.60 line item for dispatch chairs (two chairs at $3,900 each). The board approved the run with a directive that finance and department staff verify the purchase and report back.
Commissioners with Todd County on July 15 approved the commissioner warrant run but singled out a $7,876.60 payment for dispatch chairs for further review, saying the board needs clearer procurement documentation before similar payments are brought forward.
The board moved and seconded approval of the commissioner warrants (ACH and manual payments totaling $61,996.27). During discussion Commissioner Nasca asked whether the $7,876.60 entry — described by staff as two dispatch chairs — should have come before the board because county purchasing rules require purchases over $5,000 to be reviewed.
Auditor/Treasurer (presenting the warrants) explained that department heads make purchases, sign claims, and send claims to the auditor’s office for payment. The auditor said the office does not investigate “want or need” for purchases but ensures the claims follow county policies for payment. Auditor/Treasurer: “The procedure is the department head makes the purchase and then sends the claim to my office to be paid.”
Commissioner Becker noted that anything over $5,000 should have been brought to the board. Commissioner Denny said the board could approve the run and request clarification from finance and the responsible department. A staff member confirmed the chairs were two units at $3,900 each and that the items were paid from 9‑1‑1 funds and had a department head signature; John Barber appeared as the signatory on the voucher.
The board voted to approve the entire warrant run while directing finance and appropriate department staff to pull the warrant backup and clarify the procurement and vendor details. Commissioners emphasized the need to follow the county’s purchasing tiers and to present high‑dollar items for board review when policy requires it.
Ending: Finance and the auditor were asked to provide the warrant backup and procurement documentation at the next meeting; commissioners flagged procurement process compliance as an area for closer oversight moving forward.
