Archived Story
County funds must be fully protected
Published 9:06am Friday, July 27, 2012An old saying goes, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”
The overall meaning is that the first time something happens that is unexpected, it can be acceptable. But to have the same thing happen again means enough hasn’t been done to prevent it.
Ultimately that could be the case at the Lawrence County Treasurer’s Office. The sheriff’s office is investigating allegations that public funds have been stolen by an employee, which, if true, would mark the second time in less than five years that this has occurred.
The original crime went on for weeks or months before the individual was caught. These allegations also involve money being taken over an undetermined period of time.
No one has been charged with a crime at this point and we must not forget that everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
But the fact that, after such a short time, there are even new allegations that require a significant investigation is a problem in and of itself.
Although some steps were taken to improve the checks and balances within the treasurer’s office, the fact that something like this could go on again shows that more must be done.
Every effort must be made to protect taxpayers’ dollars and ensure these funds are handled appropriately. The entire system must be scrutinized and tweaked as needed.
Much will be made out of this because it is an election year and incumbent Stephen Dale Burcham is being challenged by former Liebert plant manager Jerry Rowe, Jr.
But the ultimate goal, regardless of who is in office, should be to implement an airtight system that ensures this cannot ever happen again.
There is no assurance this will not happen again or that it hasn’t happened in other county offices but was kept from the public.
Today, people are stuggling, losing their homes, many, many are on drugs and would do just about anything to get their hands on cash. When hiring, the best anyone can do is a background check, but even that is not always reliable. Think about your own friends and family that have drug problems and pawn everything they own.
The most local officials can do is pay attention to their employees. I do not fault Mr Burcham, I think he has done an excellant job for citizens. He is one of the few local officials that always seems to be at his post at the courthouse instead of somewhere else and I really appreciate that. I also appreciate the innovative and creative thinking he has done to help fund county organizations and to help lower the high delinquent tax amounts so the county and schools receive more money.
I do not know Mr. Rowe, nor do I have any interest in voting for him but I would rather see Mr Burcham run for the office of county auditor. In my opinion, a CPA is more suited to that position!
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I don’t know what his party affiliation is and I don’t care. Jerry Rowe is one helluva promising candidate. I don’t know why he would want to give up some of what he had in the private sector to go into public service but I’m glad he has done it.
All I hear in this forum is how badly we need some new blood and fresh thinking in this county. Well, here is one opportunity.
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Sounds like someone needs to revise the book keeping? The treasurer’s office should have the best accounting procedures in the county.
How often is an outside audit performed? Not necessarily to catch a thief but to correct mistakes and improve procedures.
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Maybe a solution is to hire honest people? Keep a better eye on the employees and daily cash receipts? When I write my tax check it says to “Stephen Burcham CPA”, so it must be assumed he can cipher.
I don’t remember any incidents under Beanie McKnight, Jimmy Payne or Kenny Howell.
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The writer even states this is a election year. Let’s revisit when it was Moose’s granddaughter and her lask punishment. Maybe a more stern sentence would have helped further theft.
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I don’t believe this article is being fair to the current office-holder Stephen Dale Burcham. Other than not accepting cash as payment of property taxes, what is the solution? I don’t see where cameras will help.
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