Brannon: Follow fair money

Kootenai County Clerk Jim Brannon, who is seeking a forensic audit of the North Idaho fair’s finances, issued the following statement Monday detailing his reasons for asking county commissioners to authorize a deeper look at the fair’s books. Brannon made the request for a forensic audit after his office completed an internal audit of the fair’s finances earlier this year.

“On July 29, I sent the attached email to the County Commissioners recommending a forensic audit of the Fair’s finances. Since the contents of that email have been released, the publicity drum has been beaten almost daily by Fair and Foundation Board members, past Board members, and a citizen serving on a Fair committee.

“Fair Board members allege excessive questioning, even harassment from me, and complain of inattention by Commissioner David Stewart. Board members hint at mass resignations. A Foundation Board member is distressed about losing volunteer passion. Coeur d’Alene Press readers get an audit tutorial from a citizen after five hours of document review.

“Why all these diversions? I just want to know how money is being handled by Fair leaders and staff. Notice my email also recommends a forensic audit begin after this year’s annual Fair is over.

“Fairs across the nation are financially challenged. Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Los Angeles County, and Idaho’s Bannock County have all had or are having audits of fair finances. Why? Fairs often have sloppy bookkeeping, which can hide fraud. Staff often use fair cash as personal ATMs, which can signal embezzlement. Vague board minutes can prevent financial improprieties from coming to light.

“All these indications of potential trouble are happening at the North Idaho State Fair. I am simply asking for financial accountability to the Kootenai County taxpayers.

“I was elected to safeguard County funds. The Commissioners will decide the next step because the Fair is legally a component unit of County government.

“Volunteer passion, and too much or too little attention are diversions. How the money is being handled is the issue.”