Cass County Treasurer Tracey J. Marshall appeared before the Cass County Board of Supervisors today (Wednesday), to explain expenses she incurred with regard to findings in a recent State Auditor’s report which reviewed Cass County employee travel and other expenses. The Audit report determined some officials used County credit cards improperly and a county employee was doing non-beneficial work on County time. The review was for the period of July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2016.

The report showed there was $1,334.39 worth of improper and unsupported disbursements made by County Employees. The Auditor said $590.53 was for improper disbursements, $743.86 is considered to be unsupported disbursements. The report was conducted as a result of citizen concerns regarding the frequency of County Treasurer Tracey Marshall’s travel and certain purchases made using a County credit card.

During her meeting with the Supervisors, Marshall said one of the expenses was for 30 miles not on the claim that should have been, because she forgot to reset her vehicles’ trip odometer, and did not properly identify where she went. Auditor Dale Sunderman said that County Officials, whether they serve as township officers or courthouse employees, need to have as much supporting documentation for their expenses as possible. More specifically, the date and where the meeting was held needs to be included in a claim. In Marshall’s case, she was able to back track where she went and the proper mileage. For all instances where mileage was cited as unsupported, Marshall agreed to repay the county. That amounted to $54.65.

Sunderman said the rest was accounted for and verified and the Board agreed the remainder of Marshall’s expenses was reasonable. The Board agreed also, that they have to play a more active role in reviewing employee claims and other, related matters on a timely basis. Supervisor Steve Green said they’re taking steps to follow the audit recommendations. In the future, that may include cutting back on the number of County credit cards issued, and stricter penalties for those who don’t support their expenditures with valid paperwork. There approximately 15 county-issued credit cards the hands of County employees or available in the various offices for them to use.