Despite strong opposition from the audience, Davison County Commissioners voted 4-0 Tuesday to place on first-reading an ordinance which would combine the offices of county treasurer and county auditor under a new entity of Davison County Finance Office. The objective is to improve efficiency and possibly save taxpayer dollars.
Opponents, including members of the Davison County Republican party were concerned about checks and balances and the voice of voters.
Retired Mitchell businessman Terry Sabers agreed with the plan. “So that we can be more efficient in our county,” said Sabers. “You know, in business, we always look for more ways. “Gotta be more efficient…”, Sabers continued. “And here, you’re affecting the taxes of a lot of people in our county.”
However Davison County Chief Deputy Auditor Jim Matthews was strongly opposed. “Under the guise of one finance officer, all of the duties of the treasurer’s office and the auditors office, would be conducted under that one office,” Matthews said. “There is no separation of duties, there is no separation.”
Following the vote, Matthews resigned effective next week leaving the Auditors office even more shorthanded with the beginning of absentee voting and the November election looming. Former Davison county Auditor Susan Kiepke left her position earlier this month to take a different job.
The ordinance will be up for second-reading and possible adoption on September 10th.