Bonner County treasurer speaks out
Approximately three months ago, my parents’ health started declining. I informed Bonner County Clerk Marie Scott and Commissioner Cornel Rasor numerous times that I would only be doing the necessities of my job. Each time they agreed that my family should be my number one priority.
All through October, November and December of last year, many meetings were scheduled with the outside auditors. The auditors worked around my busy schedule and I around theirs. All documents and information were provided timely and in an organized fashion. Even the week of December, when my dad was hospitalized and my mom was dying before my eyes, I still managed to meet every deadline presented.
By mid-December, tax collection was in full swing and collecting $20 million in property taxes was now my priority.
Commissioner Mike Nielsen invited me to attend a four-hour workshop with the auditors. No consideration was given to my calendar. I stated it was my busy time of the year and asked if it could be rescheduled. At first, I didn’t receive an agenda of items or topics for discussion.
Due to communication issues and misunderstandings, etc., my inability to participate almost resulted in a subpoena being issued demanding the attendance of our county clerk and myself. I was stunned when I accidentally found out about the possibility of the subpoenas and arrest.
Who would be the attorney to represent the Clerk Marie Scott and me; the attorney that drafted the subpoenas for the commissioner’s approval?
Due to conflicts with the board of commissioners, I’ve stated numerous times that I need legal assistance outside of the prosecutor’s office in order to fulfill my duties as treasurer.
When we asked the prosecutor’s office about the conflict, the reply was a question back, not an offer for assistance. Continued and repeated attempts by myself and our county clerk have been denied.
I feel the taxpayers have the right to know why their tax dollars should be used to pay for our attorney. Unfortunately, I can’t even talk to anyone about the questions I have, as most of the questions are about issues that the board are discussing in executive session which I am forbidden to share with you.
Our newspaper, The Daily Bee, quoted Commissioner Nielsen as stating that our (Marie Scott and my) cooperation was hindering the progress of the audit. This is not true. The auditors have extended the deadline three times, never because of our attendance or lack of participation.
Diversity and change are important elements in all levels of government, achieving one’s goals while destroying other’s integrity is not acceptable.
I continue to request legal counsel in order to fulfill my duties as the elected treasurer which I have done so well for the past 10 years.
n Cheryl Piehl is Bonner County’s treasurer.