After somber deliberation, a unanimous Barton County Commission Monday morning approved a non-binding resolution calling for the resignation of County Treasurer Kevin Wondra.
Since the office of county treasurer is an elected position, separation of powers means the commission’s action has no force of law. However, the commission felt it had done everything else it could and had to take some sort of stand.
It was fourth-district Commissioner Ken Lebbin of Ellinwood who brought up the matter. “It is with deep regret and sobriety that I make this motion,” he said.
He cited the continuing surfacing of problems within the Treasurer’s Office, problems that are jeopardizing the budget planning processes of school districts and other governing bodies in the county. “This is unacceptable. This could ultimately affect every person in Barton County.”
Lebbin said he realized this was more of a ceremonial action. But, “a statement should be made by the commission.”
“I am considering resignation once these issues are resolved and the office is on a even keel,” Wondra said. He said he has been tired of the tribulation since December and has pondered stepping down.
“I’ll see that through and we’ll see from there,” Wondra said, adding “there was a pretty good chance” he would resign, but gave no definite response.
Lebbin said what brought the issue to his attention again were conversations with representatives of Unified School District 355 in Ellinwood and Comanche Township. One of the forms the district needed to establish a legal mill levy had inaccurate information, and some of the numbers given to the township were from the wrong year.
“A 15-year-old middle school student could do this,” Lebbin said.
Wondra said the problem with the township figures was his fault, he just copied them from the wrong report. But, he said the new county-wide software pulled the wrong totals for the school district form.
This didn’t satisfy Lebbin. Other departments made the transition to the new software and he wondered out loud why the Treasurer’s Office couldn’t manage to do so.
“We’re constantly bombarded with the need for corrections and the need for more taxpayer dollars to be spent,” Lebbin said, adding commissioners have done everything they can to help. The commission approved hiring an analyst to work in the office and paid over $20,000 for a consultant to help unravel the mess.
“The level of frustration is extra high,” said County Clerk Donna Zimmerman. Her office has fielded several calls from them seeking information so they can finish up their budgets. There are 43 taxing in Barton County, including the county, cities, school districts and townships.
“I know these entities are concerned,” she said. Normally, budgets are wrapped up by mid August when budget hearings are held.
Zimmerman can grant extensions that give a little more time, but these budgets all have to be audited by her office to make sure their mill levies are accurate. However, has a “line in the sand” deadline of Nov. 1 to have figures turned into the state.
In addition, the Clerk’s Office is also the Election Office and it has a November general election on the horizon. It would be nice, Zimmerman said, to have this matter cleared up so her staff could focus on that.
Even if the numbers are available, Lebbin wondered if they would be accurate. These other governing organizations are losing credibility as well.
Commissioner Jennifer Schartz asked what the commission can do to help get the numbers to those who need them. She also questioned the ability of the treasurer to provide correct data.
“You can only kick a dog so many times,” said commission Chairman Kenny Schremmer. “But, I’ve heard complaint after complaint. There’s something wrong up there.”
 Lebbin made the motion and Commissioner Homer Kruckenberg seconded it.