Griggs County holds public hearing on proposal to combine auditor and treasurer offices

Chair opened a special Griggs County Commission meeting on July 27, 2026, to present and take public comment on a proposal to consolidate the county auditor and treasurer administrative offices following a recent vacancy in the auditor position. The Chair said the meeting’s purpose was "to provide information about the proposal, explain why the commission is considering it, and most importantly, hear from members of the public," and emphasized that "no final decision is made tonight."

The proposal, as outlined by the Chair, would combine administrative functions into a single office to streamline financial operations, increase cross-training and improve continuity during vacations or vacancies. "Putting this together reduces duplication of administration work, and it creates one coordinated financial management team," the Chair said, noting that "23 of 53 counties have already combined their auditor and treasurer offices." The chair also stated that the office would remain elected and that statutory duties would continue to be performed.

State's Attorney (speaker listed as State's Attorney) told the commission he had reviewed the statutory avenues for combining offices and did not find a required waiting period in the Century Code before the commission could consider the question again. He summarized the two paths the code provides: adoption of a plan by the commission (subject to a potential voter referendum) or action by voter petition. The State's Attorney urged commissioners to consult officials in counties that have completed similar transitions, citing Nelson and Foster counties as recent examples of successful consolidation.

On oversight and risk, the State's Attorney acknowledged concerns about checks and balances but argued that separate elected offices are not a guaranteed safeguard. He cited a cautionary example in which "the auditor and treasurer in Towner County worked together to embezzle money," framing that as evidence that internal controls and independent audits, rather than office separation alone, supply practical oversight. That claim was presented as an allegation in the hearing and was not resolved during the meeting.

Staff and deputies who spoke during the public comment portion described the currently interim arrangements as a "test run" and urged confidence in local staff. One deputy said, "I'm 100% for her to be the auditor," referring to the acting/interim officer currently performing duties; another speaker, identified as Treasurer, said that though some tasks are new, they have "great resources" and state support for election administration and training. Speakers also repeatedly said no employees would lose their jobs if the administrative offices were combined and that the change would involve moving desks and filing cabinets rather than major construction.

Commissioners and the legal advisor stressed transparency: monthly financial reports and ledgers would continue to be provided to the commission, and county financial records (except draft audits) remain subject to open-records requests. The Chair reiterated the commission’s desire for public input and said comments would be part of the public record.

No formal decision or vote on the consolidation was taken. At the close of the meeting Scott moved to adjourn and Lauren seconded; the motion carried. The commission adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

Next steps: the commission has not scheduled a final decision; commissioners and the state's attorney recommended consulting recently consolidated counties and noted the statutory paths available for any future action.