Public and commissioners cite nearly $48,000 in extra costs tied to treasurer's office; audit timing uncertain

Commissioners and a public commenter raised specific dollar figures July 23 as they discussed oversight of the County Treasurer. Commissioner Jeff Sieting said current bills for Maner services related to the audit process were "approximately $20,000.00," and the minutes list a total of $47,906.49 in additional bills attributed to failures in the treasurer's office. Chair Fisher and Commissioner Baldwin warned that excess legal, accounting and penalty costs were not budgeted and would have to be absorbed in the treasurer's budget.

Public commenter Annie Wallace told the board she was concerned about the "added $47,000 plus" spent because of the County Treasurer and warned that municipalities could lose Revenue Sharing — the minutes cite an example of "approximately $100,000 for Excelsior Township." Commissioners disagreed on timing: Comai said he did not "see the reasons for this action," and Matley said removing the treasurer might be premature until the audit is complete and the Maner engagement delivers its findings. No audit completion date was provided in the minutes; commissioners noted the state denied an extension for the 2025 audit, creating uncertainty about revenue sharing timelines and audit delivery.