The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is in the midst of an investigation of the Barton County Treasurer’s Office, said Great Bend-based KBI Special Agent in Charge Bruce Mellor.
According to Mellor, the on-going probe is directed at an individual within the office, not the office as a whole. However, he would not elaborate on the individual target of the investigation, other than to say it was job related.
He did say it is unrelated to the delayed property tax filings that came to light at Monday morning’s Barton County Commission meeting.
The matter has not been turned over Barton County Attorney Doug Matthews, but he is aware of the situation. Matthews declined to comment on the case.
County Treasurer Kevin Wondra said he was told not to discuss the investigation.
As required by state statute, the Barton County Treasurers office is responsible for creating and mailing the annual tax statements and collecting and distributing these tax monies for the state, county, cities and all other taxing entities that levy ad valorem and/or special assessment taxes.
The county’s official website notes that the Treasurer’ Office is also an agent for the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, and is responsible for the titling, registration and all other various motor vehicle transactions (such as tags) for all vehicles owned by the residents of Barton County.
In addition, the office is responsible for all other money belonging to Barton County and/or directed by law to be paid to the treasurer.