The Board of County Commissioners of Neosho County on Dec. 30 authorized steps to give the newly sworn county treasurer full account access, remove the prior treasurer’s access and equip the treasurer with a county credit card.

The commission voted to add Neosho County Treasurer Gabby Sands and deputy Keely Dodge to all bank accounts tied to the county’s Employer Identification Number and to grant online access so the treasurer’s office could view and, where appropriate, transact on county accounts. The board then approved a separate motion to remove former Treasurer Sydney Baldwin and her deputy Marcia McCoy from all electronic access associated with the county EIN.

The actions responded to a series of operational problems the treasurer described at the meeting, including limited bank access after the administrative transition and difficulty with Department of Revenue interfaces. Commissioners discussed timing for signature updates at the Bank of Commerce and asked staff to coordinate so the new treasurer has view access before older signatories are removed.

On bonding and financial safeguards, commissioners discussed required fidelity coverage for the treasurer’s office. Several members described $1,000,000 as a commonly cited benchmark while noting the previous bond had been $100,000; the board asked the treasurer to obtain multiple quotes from insurance agents and return with recommended coverage and cost options.

The board also approved a county credit card for Treasurer Gabby (Gabrielle) Sands with a $1,000 limit for purchases such as training, registration and office supplies. Commissioners emphasized the county’s credit-card policy (no alcohol, limits on tips) would apply and that use should follow policy guidance.

Separately, commissioners approved a short closure of the treasurer’s office to the public for end-of-year balancing so staff could complete closing tasks. No formal audit action was taken at the meeting; commissioners also discussed and requested procurement of a countywide forensic audit in the near term.

The commission directed administrative staff to finalize bank signature forms, to ensure the transition does not interrupt payroll or other critical transactions, and to have the treasurer return with bond quotes and any further requests for procedures changes.