Officials Call For Audit, Review After State Says Mercer Paid $4.5M In Tax Fines

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Local officials are calling for an audit and review of the County’s current fiscal practices after a report from the State Comptroller showed the County paid 4.5 million in tax fines.

The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) said Tuesday that the county’s Finance Department regularly failed to make timely tax payments to both the IRS and the New Jersey Division of Taxation. More: $4.5 Million In Tax Fines Paid By Mercer County: State Comptroller

An investigation conducted by the OSC also found that the department lacked basic internal financial controls and that CFO David Miller did not have the credentials to hold the position.

Assemblyman Dan Benson has called for an independent audit of Mercer County’s finances. “The taxpayers of Mercer County deserve an immediate and independent forensic audit of the county government as soon as possible to ensure the county isn't continuing to waste more taxpayer dollars,” Benson said.

In December, Benson announced his intention to run for Mercer County Executive in the upcoming election. He will be challenging County Executive Brian M Hughes for the Democratic nomination. More: Dan Benson Announces Bid For Mercer County Executive

The OSC report also noted that Miller, appointed by the County Executive, operated independently with minimal oversight.

“Mercer County needs accountability as soon as possible to ensure more taxpayer dollars aren’t being misused, and that our taxpayers aren't further victimized,” Benson said.

Meanwhile, the chair of the Mercer County Board of County Commissioners has called for a review of current fiscal practices.

Lucylle R.S. Walter said that in 2014, when the administration asked to create the position of Deputy Administrator/Finance, the Board was told that the position would report to the County Administrator.

“At that time there was a discussion of certifications and it was specifically stated that the Director would possess all relevant licensing required by the State of New Jersey,” Walter said. "During our yearly budget process, the Board has routinely asked for additional personnel to be added to the CFO's office to keep up with the workload.”

Walter said that the Commissioner Board is limited in the day-to-day review of County finances, and is required to trust that the information given to them is accurate.

The Board first learned of the amount paid in tax fines after the report was released Tuesday, Walter said.

“Members of the Board ask for a review of current fiscal practices in comparison with those best standards and practices recommended for utilization by the State of New Jersey. We are committed to establishing proper procedures and processes are in place to ensure Mercer County taxpayers are protected,” the Chair said.

Based on the investigation, the OSC has already recommended changes to increase financial oversight in the County. Mercer County has agreed to implement the recommendations and has formed a Finance Committee to oversee the operations of MCFD, according to the OSC.

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