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Commissioners approve claims despite flagged zero-dollar entries; auditor to clarify
Summary
The board approved $4.64 million in certified claims and ratified uncertified claims totaling $35,007.81 while asking the auditor to explain a sequence of 13 zero-dollar line items on the clerk's report and to prevent any erroneous payments.
Warrick County commissioners approved certified claims totaling $4,643,403.93 on May 26 after discussion about a string of zero-dollar line items in the clerk's report.
A commissioner pointed out that page 7 of the clerk's report shows 13 consecutive items listed at $0 — including a $50 per diem line that typically is nonzero — and asked whether the zeros would affect the total. County staff said many of the zeroed lines appear to be reversals; the clerk will consult the auditor's office and report back. The board moved to approve the claims as presented and carried the motion by voice vote.
Commissioners also reviewed uncertified claims, including a $6,019.24 invoice to McCoy Construction & Forestry that a commissioner said should have been handled as a trade-in on a grader (and thus not payable). The sheriff's office had requested approval of parts purchased earlier; commissioners said they would ask the auditor not to issue a check if an item is a trade-in credit. The board approved four uncertified claims totaling $35,007.81, including sheriff-related parts, and asked staff to ensure the auditor has clear explanations for future rejections or reversals.
The board discussed the county's new purchasing policy and asked that departments include clearer reasons when claims are rejected or listed as noncompliant so commissioners do not need repeat explanations at every meeting.
Next steps: the clerk will follow up with the auditor's office to clarify the zero-dollar items and ensure accounting adjustments do not produce erroneous checks.
