Kent County is the only county in Delaware with an official comptroller.
But that may soon come to an end if elected officials have their way.
Kent County Commissioners are urging the state legislature to eliminate the position saying it is no longer necessary.
The comptroller is tasked with auditing all accounts for Levy Court and row offices but most of the work is now done by computers.
Commissioner George “Jody” Sweeney says the move would save the taxpayers money.
“This comptroller’s position is really an obsolete position,” he says. “The other two counties were of the same idea 25 and 30 years ago and it’s about time for Kent County to make the same action.”
The position is also responsible for reviewing financial records of public agencies that receive appropriations from the county.
Sweeney says in the eight years he’s been in office he’s not aware of the comptroller performing a single audit.
This is not the first time commissioners have petitioned the legislature to eliminate the comptroller position. They tried in 2011 but were rebuffed by lawmakers concerned about oversight.
“But, you know, I tried to explain that those checks and balances are processed in other ways in the county and that the physical checks and balances are no longer performed by this office,” says Sweeney, “I’m hoping that this time some of those senators who were in place in 2011 will see that and throw their support behind it.”
Sweeney adds that eliminating the comptroller job would save Kent County about $150,000 a year.
Legislation would need to get done before July 1 st. That’s the filing deadline for anybody seeking to run for the office in November’s election.