Matt Beaton News Release 9-6-2024

PDF Copy of News Release Click Here

 

The $21.47 Disallowed Meal Expenditure

 

A compilation of public records communications related to the $21.47 Disallowed Meal Expenditure can be found by clicking the following link:  

Disallowed Meal Expenditure Documentation

Franklin County Auditor Review, Uncovers Unconstitutional Pay Increase for Commissioners. Longest Serving Commissioner Brad Peck received nearly $47K in questionable compensation

 

For Immediate Release: Contact Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton Auditor@franklincountywa.gov, (509)545-3848

Pasco, WA

5/1/23

An audit of  Franklin County Elected official payroll resolutions and practices has revealed that several Franklin County Commissioners have received unconstitutional payments that were approved after the 2016 election. At that time Commissioner Brad Peck, now former Commissioner Bob Koch, and former Commissioner Rick Miller approved increases that were not legally reviewed.  Commissioner Brad Peck has been paid nearly $47,000. Former Commissioner Bob Koch nearly $20,000, and former Commissioner Rick Miller a little more than $21,000.

Commissioner Clint Didier and Commissioner Rocky Mullen, who were not in office in 2016 when the benefit-to cash resolution was approved have always elected to take full benefits.  They would both owe the same amount of $334.40 due to a partial excess benefit distribution.  Didier and Mullen were not aware of the 2016 resolution that converted excess benefits payments to cash was in place when they were voted into office.   All Commissioners will have to repay any unconstitutional compensation.

You can find the full investigation report on the Auditor’s Blog, on the Franklin County Auditor’s website.

How the Investigation Began?

An interpretation from MRSC, helped prompt the investigation. At issue is the Washington law that prohibits elected officials from giving themselves a pay raise during the time they are in office. The Franklin County Commissioners increased their compensation by converting health care benefits to cash and continued to receive the increased compensation over the years. At question are increases to their benefits/salary during their term, something prohibited by the Washington State Constitution. 

“Starting in 2016, Franklin County Commissioners passed a post-election resolution enabling the conversion of excess health care benefits into cash, that subsequently went to their salary. In this case, VEBA benefits were allowed to be taken in cash, thus giving themselves a raise. My job as Auditor is to review policies and practices, past and present to assure, the county is spending the public’s money legally. In this case, the dates of their resolutions fall outside their Constitutional authority to raise their own pay.” said Auditor Matt Beaton.

 

What’s Next?

The review was introduced to Commissioners at the April 18 meeting during the Elected/Dept Head section on the agenda. Auditor Beaton says that this is being treated as a “loss” and not “fraud”. The results of the review have been forwarded to Washington State Auditor’s Office as required by law.

At the April 25, 2023 meeting the topic of stopping the ongoing illegal payments, and recovering monies was discussed.  Chairman Didier expressed a desire going forward to have, at a minimum, all payroll and legally consequential resolutions reviewed by the Prosecuting Attorney; something Prosecutor Sant mentioned he will need more staffing to accomplish.  

 

PDF version of the news release

 

Audit Finds for Unconstitutional Salary Increases for FC Commissioners

 For more information, click the link to review the notification and supporting documentation.

Audit Information

Auto Allowance Audit of Prosecuting Attorney Sant 2022

Click the link below to see the entire auto allowance audit of Prosecuting Attorney Sant completed  June, 2022.

All Documentation Shawn Sant Auto Allowance Audit 2022

Time Card Fraud Follow Up Complaint Letter Received

Prior Complaint

Several Franklin County Offices received a follow up complaint letter related to the time card fraud investigation reported in 2018 and the beginning of 2019 (please see my prior post for details.)

Another Complaint Letter Received 12-2-2019

I encourage the letter writer to come forward so we can more thoroughly respond and investigate their concerns.  

The link below will open a PDF version of the entire paper letter we received. 

Time Card Fraud Follow Up Complaint Letter Received 12-2-2019

SAO Time Card Fraud Conclusions 1-30-2019

The SAO has released the results of their investigation in to time card fraud.  A link is provided below for a PDF version.  Please contact County Auditor Matt Beaton at mbeaton@co.franklin.wa.us for any questions.

Franklin County Time Card Fraud

Click here to read the report:  SAO Timecard Fraud Conclusions 1-30-2019 PDF