Osage County employees are having issues with their paychecks, benefits and now, county bills. Numerous employees came forward at the Osage County Commission meeting yesterday, December 9, expressing their concern and, they are now pointing toward Osage County Clerk Michelle Morris as the source of the problem.
Taxpayers, current and former employees and local business owners shared their experiences, all reporting issues with paychecks, benefits, county bills and tax statements overseen by Morris. Former Osage County Treasurer Laura Hawkins told WIBW News her pay was randomly changed from salary to hourly and was inconsistent. She said she cannot draw money from her state retirement account and had issues with her insurance coverage. Public Works Director, Ryan Fine, says money is being taken from the work accounts for purchases.
Commissioners met behind closed doors in Executive Session for more than an hour. When they returned, they took action that allows only the three commissioners and county appraiser, Carl Miller, access to the county’s financial management software. All others with access will be removed.
The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System office says it has not received payments for Osage County employees since May, even though the funds have been deducted from employees’ checks. A Topeka-based accounting firm has been hired, that will wade through payroll issues and uncover what’s happening with retirement account funds.
