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Commissioners approve investigator billing amid questions about scope and transparency
Summary
The board discussed payments and projected costs for an independent investigation, noting an original $50,000 authorization plus a $20,000 supplemental for a $70,000 total; packet materials showed outstanding invoices and some commissioners raised transparency concerns before approving payment for work done to date.
Old-business discussion on Jan. 21 focused on outstanding payments and projected costs for the independent investigator engaged by the county.
Commissioners reviewed packet attachments showing prior approvals: an initial $50,000 authorization and a subsequent $20,000 budget adjustment (total $70,000). Meeting materials included an invoice covering work from March 18 through Oct. 24 that a commissioner summarized as roughly $67,052.25 (packet language garbled on the transcript), with an outstanding balance through November of $15,158.93 noted in the board packet. Some commissioners said they had not received timely reporting and expressed concern about transparency and the investigator's communication about exceeding the budget.
Supporters on the board said the investigator had performed substantial work and that unfinished work required completion; others argued the board must define when the work is complete and control additional spending. The board ultimately approved payment consistent with the previously approved authorizations and indicated additional meetings on the independent-investigation matter will occur in February.
Ending: Commissioners approved payment of outstanding invoices consistent with earlier budget approvals but directed additional oversight and scheduled further discussion on the investigation in February.
