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Montezuma County directs immediate payroll controls for sheriff's office after staff flag possible dual compensation
Summary
County staff reported possible 'double‑dipping' in the sheriff's payroll records and proposed controls limiting signatory access, assigning lieutenant oversight of timesheets, and requiring repayment or leave deductions for unauthorized personal-business time; the board voted to direct staff to implement the controls for 2026.
Montezuma County commissioners on May 19 directed staff to implement immediate fiscal controls in the sheriff's office payroll system after county reviewers identified potential dual compensation issues.
A staff member reported the review flagged a possible "double‑dipping" or dual‑compensation situation and recommended a set of administrative controls: limit signatory access in the payroll system to specified supervisors, assign Lieutenant John Hargrave to oversee timesheet verification for identified employees, designate under‑sheriff Tyson Cox to oversee manager‑level timesheet submissions and command staff, and require accurate reporting of hours in accordance with county policy and employment law. The staff presentation also instructed finance and payroll to evaluate any overpayments for 2026 and recover amounts either by drawing from employees' accrued leave or by monetary repayment.
Commissioner Lindsey moved to direct staff to implement the physical controls for 2026; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The board and staff emphasized the action was intended to strengthen oversight rather than to prejudge disciplinary outcomes; staff said a formal resolution might be considered at a later meeting after additional review.
The board's oral motion authorized staff to carry out the named administrative steps and to report back if further formal action was needed.
