2016-01-28-minutes--exit-accountability-audit-conference

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2016-01-28 MINUTES 2 attempted to use her position to influence another department (Assessor’s office) to waive the penalties and fees. The Treasurer’s office did not submit accurate and complete information when filing a proof of claim for taxpayer bankruptcy and two accounts totaling $151,522.00 were not included on a bankruptcy proof of claim, resulting in the County being unable to collect on the tax revenue. It was also noted the Treasurer’s office did not perform adequate procedures to collect on 18 accounts with delinquent personal property tax totaling $155,609.00, as required by State law. They did not take the steps to either sell the personal property or attach a lien on the property owner’s real property, as required. The Board of County Commissioners approved to write-off delinquent mobile home and personal property taxes totaling $27,910.00 that were never adjusted in the accounts receivable system and remain outstanding. The State Auditor’s office reviewed information relating to their findings in the Treasurer’s office, and said the County has responded and taken steps to comply with the State Auditor’s recommendations. Ann Strand reviewed a Management Letter relating to the Sheriff’s office. She reviewed their recommendations which included ensuring all contracts over $5,000.00 are approved by the County Commissioners; perform a rate analysis to ensure the County is charging accurate costs for patrol services; provide an effective review over billings to ensure they are calculated correctly; and to follow State law and register property timely. Sheriff Gene Dana and Undersheriff Clay Myers said they have been working on policies which address the State Auditor’s recommendations. Cheryl Chance asked for a timeline of if/when any criminal charges would be filed against the former Treasurer. Greg Zempel explained that since it’s an issue relating to Kittitas County it has been referred to the Yakima County Prosecutors office for review and there is no timeline. Undersheriff Clay Myers explained how the Prosecutors office does not conduct investigations and how the City of Ellensburg would be in charge of that. The actual cost of the audit was $75,370.00 which was approved by the County through a Memorandum of Understanding, as the County requested additional work to be performed. It was noted