MORGAN -- A recent audit of Morgan County Fair finances is changing the way the county does business at its annual event.
"There's a balance between providing accountability and not destroying the volunteer spirit of some of these organizations," said Lynn Wood, the county's regular outside auditor.
"The county fair is part of county government and subject to the same fiscal rules as any department."
In the past, the fair board has had its own checking account to access its $74,000 of county money each year.
Of that amount last year, $15,000 in checks were made out to "cash" and several blank checks were signed, Wood said.
"That should be changed -- $15,000 is quite a bit of money to cash at the bank. Someone could have headed to the Peppermill Casino with that."
Also, Wood said, there was no detailed accounting of premiums and prizes.
Wood suggested the county close the fair board's checking account and create a new fair department instead.
However, because the fair board will be operating primarily after hours and on the weekends, Wood said unique measures should be pursued to ensure flexibility and quick access to cash.
"It's good to have accountability in these things."
The newly appointed fair board manager, Kris Krammer, agrees, saying, "I'd like to have it in a way so anyone who looks at the books can follow it and no one has questions."
The council promised to bring forward a budget resolution creating the department.
"We want the fair to continue to be a positive experience," said Council Chairman Sid Creager. "We commit to do anything we can to help. We appreciate our volunteers."
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