Panel to advise officials on finances

The commissioners say the committee could aid communication with the public.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Columbiana County will form a committee that will advise officials on finances and business methods.
"This can be a very powerful tool," county Auditor Nancy Milliken said Wednesday.
Ohio Auditor Betty Montgomery has urged formation of such committees for several years. The panels aren't a statutory part of county government.
"They can recommend things our county could do differently. It would be a lot like the town hall meetings," Milliken said.
The county has held town hall meetings in the past to explain how the government works.
Who
The panel would consist of Milliken, the county commissioners, county Treasurer Linda Bolon and several people from the private sector.
Commissioner Gary Williams said, "I think it's a great idea."
Commissioner Sean Logan said the committee could give officials "a private sector perspective."
Advice, Logan said, could range from ways to manage the county's revenue and benefits or on new projects.
Commissioner Jim Hoppel said that the panel may be able to address some county credibility issues with voters.
Voters have repeatedly defeated sales taxes over the years, which left officials to struggle with county bills.
The commissioners said they did not want the committee to be a voice for the sales tax. But Logan said that all funds now are being used to keep offices operating as debt increases.
"It can't go on forever," Logan said.
Williams added, "There are so many misunderstandings of the way the money is being spent."
Always open
Milliken said that the county's books are always open to the public.
State audits may make recommendations in a number of areas. Milliken said that when it comes to audits of the county, she must monitor whether the recommendations are carried out.
The panel won't have anything to do with her job as county auditor.
Members may be bankers or certified public accountants. Milliken said the members should also be "people who are concerned about our county, people who are willing to give us a little bit of their time."
The plan follows similar actions by county officials in recent months to be open about finances and actions. One move included posting pie charts of county revenue and spending on the county auditor's Web site.
Logan said the committee could be "another set of eyes" on the county government.
The committee is expected to be formed in several weeks.
wilkinson@vindy.com