Lucas County commissioner to seek bids for dog warden audit

10/5/2010
BLADE STAFF

Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop announced Tuesday that he is sending out more than 100 letters to accounting experts to seek for bids on auditing the county dog warden's department.

Mr. Konop said he wants the audit to include a reevaluation of the county's $25 dog license fee — the highest in the state — as well as projections on the department's future revenues and expenses.

The commissioner's request stems from his criticism of recent budget projections put together by county staff that show an almost $900,000 surplus in the “Dog and Kennel Fund” could run out within two years. Mr. Konop has argued those projections are misleading.

“I think there's been some legitimate questions rasied...regarding what we ought to do and how we ought to account for this money,” Mr. Konop said, adding that the county has no certified public accountants on staff and would therefore benefit from an outside audit.

Commissioner Pete Gerken said he couldn't give an opinion on the audit request because he doesn't have enough information about it.

“I'm not sure how you audit projections,” Mr. Gerken said. “I look forward to hearing more details.”

Meanwhile, county commissioners approved a request made by dog warden Julie Lyle to advertise for bids on creating a special adoption room at the dog pound, which will include purchasing new cages.