George Sarantou, Toledo city councilman and candidate for Lucas County Commissioner, called for the current board of commissioners to release an itemized list of departmental surpluses and form an outside citizens’ review committee for the county.

Sarantou called for the action after a report found that Lucas County has an approximately $200 million surplus in various department accounts.

“I believe the taxpaying public has a right to know which department is holding on to surplus money, how much is in their respective accounts, and why,” Sarantou said in an Oct. 20 press conference.

The surplus money came from a variety of sources, taxes, fees and grants, and the county should explore if any of that funding can be used to assist areas like the sheriff’s department, he said.

If the current commissioners don’t pursue such actions, Sarantou said he will make forming an outside financial committee a top priority if elected.

“This committee would mirror the Citizens Special Investigations committee that met earlier this year to review the City of Toledo budget. Additionally this Citizens Special Investigation Committee could determine the necessity of various departmental reserve funds,” he said.

Moving forward more transparency needs to exist in government because citizens have the right to know where their money is being spent, Sarantou said.

Tags: George Sarantou, Lucas County

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 21st, 2010 at 10:19 am and is filed under Community, Lucas County.
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