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Residents press Lake County on missing abstract, ask for forensic audit and question office lease
Summary
Public commenters told commissioners an abstract and certification required for tax calculations was missing from county records and flagged in the audit; commenters urged a forensic audit and questioned a county office‑sharing lease that was signed then ratified.
During the public‑comment period at the June 16 meeting, two residents raised transparency and oversight questions for Lake County finances and legal agreements.
Mike Martin told commissioners the county's Colorado abstract and certification — the document that compiles taxable property values and enables taxing entities to set mill levies — was missing from the county website and flagged in the independent audit. "That was noted in the audit...it was highlighted in red as being missing," Martin said, adding that some taxpayers had seen tax increases "over 150%" and that without the abstract residents cannot see "where their money is going." Commission staff replied that the abstract and certification likely fall within the statutory duties of the elected assessor and treasurer, not the Board of County Commissioners, and said they would follow up with those elected officials.
Tina Tanzik asked whether the county's contract with CBS Accounting (which she said is paid up to $160,000) had been reviewed in light of audit findings and pressed for a forensic audit to test for theft, fraud or misuse of funds beyond the financial‑statement audit. She also questioned an office‑sharing lease between Rocky Mountain General Counsel and Lake County that she said was effective Jan. 1 but signed later and then ratified by the board, asking who authorized the agreement prior to board approval and calling attention to attorney‑specific provisions in the lease concerning conflicts and co‑counsel.
Commissioners responded that staff would follow up with the auditor and the elected offices mentioned and that an email follow‑up would be provided to commenters where possible. The board did not make any immediate commitments to a forensic audit during the meeting.
Next steps: staff said they would follow up with the assessor and treasurer offices and respond to the public commenters; the transcript does not record further action or a formal referral to commission staff for a forensic audit.
