Letters to the Editor

Citizens of Musselshell County

As many of you know- there was supposed to be a County Commissioner candidate debate last Friday. Mr Pancratz took advise from someone and backed out, so the debate was cancelled. I was looking forward to hearing both Mr Pancratz and Ms Borner speak and debate. I did read Mr Pancratz’s article on the front page of the RRT. Since I don’t know him otherwise- I have not formed any opinion- good or bad about him. I can say, however, if he wins the election- the list of community concerns he mentioned in the beginning of his article will be easy to address. 1. County financial Management- The Mils are reduced below what they were prior to the tax hike so taxes should already be down this fall. The impact of what happened, and why Commissioners Carlson and Borner had to address the situation should be questions asked of those who refused to deal with the audits, and other financial concerns, when they were due. Thanks to Commissioners Borner and Carlson- the county finances are now cleaned up.2. Transparency has tremendously improved and they are still working on the process

of a video system. Chairman Borner now has all minutes read and approved/corrected during the meeting in front of the public, minutes are usually posted the next week online, and printed in the paper. All meetings are open to the public- the 3:00 oclock business meeting is accessible by walking in, via phone, or Go To video. Comments on any item not on the agenda, or on the agenda is open for public discussion. Questions can be asked before discussion or after, comment can be made before they vote. The budget meetings were every Monday at 2:30 for several months until the time they had their hearing of the final budget. The treasurer and/or Clerk and Recorder regularly give reports. I believe lists of claims are posted in the office. The agenda is posted online , or you can call the clerk and recorder and ask. The printing times of both papers does not allow a timely report for the agenda- but it is still printed in the RRT. It is, however, the responsibility of citizens to attempt to stay informed and engaged through these avenues. 3. Economic growth- Nicole, on her own time, is a volunteer member of many of the local groups, working to keep the Community vibrant. As Commissioner, she has been dedicated in completing the commitment to a Flood mitigation project that 3 Commissioners signed onto several years ago. Nicole has helped form partnerships with other groups that have assisted, physically and financially, not only in the actual flood minimizing project, but in creating ways to bring back some tax base while creating attractions that may bring in families here to live, and attract visitors and tourists. With little or no cost to the County.

While last years’ tax hike was blamed solely on Commissioners Borner and Carlson, and branded them as tax and spend liberals- it was a result of a lack of fiscal responsibility of several past Commissioners. Audits and Financial Reports were not done in a timely and legal manner, and in March 2020, Musselshell County was the only County reported delinquent in their audit reports to the State. Most , if not all of these Commissioners, I believe are Republicans, and one ,is now holding a position in the MCRCC.

While the results of the 2015 audit left many questions and concerns unanswered, the 2018 audit results seem to support some reasons why Commissioners Borner and Carlson had concerns, saw red flags , and why they took the States’ advise on how to move forward until the finances were audited and in order. The 2018 audit stated there was a miscalculation of the 2018 mils, the cash reserves were not correct, and the County exceeded it’s budgeting authority in the amounts of $90,943, $35,954, $24,586, $1,062,118, $18,490, $33,989, $13,523, $16,485, $236,318, $952,250, $31,992, $7,000, and $200,000 in that one year. I am not implying exceeding budget authority is wrongful or illegal, if addressed correctly- but the audit goes on to report, “ a weak control system was noted which caused the county to exceed budget authority DUE to inadequate monitoring, incorrectly inputting the budget into the accounting and incorrectly posting revenues and expenditures” and also “ the County was not properly balancing cash each month between the bank, investment statements and the accounting system”

In March 2018, Commissioner Borner had expressed concerns(again) about the finances and the fact they were not having meetings with the accounting department- and was told by one of the other Commissioners – “ they do not need to micromanage the accounting dept.” The other two Commissioners then

voted to table the issue, disregarding Nicoles’ concerns.

The costs of doing the audits and annual financial reports , and getting the County back into compliance cost over $378,000. This does not include any other costs attributed to addressing some related issues from past years.

This compliance status will now allow for funding projects like the Goffena Bridge and the Hospital to move forward! Thank you Nicole and Adam, the Treasurers’ Office and Clerk and Recorder’s office for all their hard work!

I am a lifelong Republican,

but I support Nicole Borner for County Commissioner and hope that we would then have a well rounded Commission moving forward. Mike Goffena with experience and representation for the large landowners and farmer and ranchers. Mike Turley with experience in financial/loan operations/planning and representing the eastern part of the county. And Nicole Borner– with experience and training in County government, County finance, grants, positive working relationships and contacts throughout the State, and representing the small businesses and small land- and home-owners.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Deb Adolph

 

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