Ailing S.L. County seeks cure

A string of scandal allegations has left Salt Lake County officials treating the symptoms of a problem some leaders say runs much deeper.

Now they're trying to diagnose — and hopefully cure — that disease.

A newly created committee of top policymakers and fiscal managers is set to take a proactive approach to fixing the county's financial and managerial flaws. Instead of merely reacting to accusations of waste and corruption, Councilwoman Jenny Wilson said, it's time the county takes a hard look at some systemic change.

"It's a way to prevent the problems instead of just exposing them," Wilson said. "This is going to the core of the issue to say 'Here are the tools we need to put together to fix the problem' instead of just responding to it."

County leaders have been on the defensive as a variety of allegations surfaced since last year:

• Former County Mayor Nancy Workman was charged with misuse of public funds.

• Former County Auditor Craig Sorensen admitted to stealing at least $8,600 on the county gas card.

• A county-commissioned investigation reported suspect hiring practices of unqualified friends and family members.

• A whistle-blower raised claims of time-sheet fraud.

• A county audit suggested abuse of the employee tuition assistance program.

To get to the root of those problems, council fiscal analyst Darrin Casper said the review group will address financial oversight, better management training and the possibility of expanding the role of an external auditor.

No subject is off-limits, Casper said, as the group looks at how to bring more fiscal responsibility and efficiency to the county government.

"We're going to look at the overall picture and make sure we're on the right track," he said. "There are obviously a lot of things that are done right here . . . but it doesn't hurt to put a fresh eye on it."

One of the chief concerns at the county, Wilson said, is proper fiscal oversight reaching down from top officials to the dozens of county-controlled services. The county has already begun to rein in fiscal management by requiring every financial administrator to report directly back to Chief Financial Officer Linda Hamilton.

County Auditor Sean Thomas said the push for more direct accountability for anyone involved in county finances began during the Workman administration. Direct reporting to the CFO is more of a private sector model, he added, but may be what saves the county's reputation.

Many program supervisors, Thomas added, do not have extensive financial expertise, and Hamilton's direct oversight will help keep all arms of the government in line.