EUREKA -- Woodford County State's Attorney Mike Stroh will check a donor list to see if ethics violations occurred when the sheriff's department asked businesses for money to buy a police dog. The private donations saved taxpayers $13,000, but some County Board members are unhappy with the sheriff's fund-raising techniques.
"I did what I thought was a good thing," said Sheriff Jim Pierecall.
Pierceall and sheriff's department employees asked businesses and municipalities for money to be sent to Southern Police Canine, a business that will supply the dog.
"There has been so much unrest about it (among board members) that I thought it was best to get it on the record and out in the open," board member Caroline Schertz said earlier this week.
Her concerns include:
• Funds were solicited under the false pretense that the county couldn't afford the dog.
• Having no board oversight of the expenses leads to an "impression of illegality."
• No paper trail accounts for income and expenses for the dog's purchase.
• Donations could have come from companies that do business with the county in other capacities.
"I know the county has money, but it is the middle of a budget year and I didn't feel it would be appropriate (to ask for money)," Pierceall said.
He also said no oversight was needed for the purchase because money was sent directly to Southern Police Canine. Pierceall offered to give board members a copy of the donor list, even though some people requested anonymity.
"If the solicitation was made to the general public, I think that would be fine," said board member Robert Hunsaker. "If the solicitations made were to people we do business with, then we have a serious potential problem."
Board member Doug Simpson said companies would be reimbursed for their donations if Stroh determined any of the donors are considered "prohibited sources."
Board members Tom Karr and John Krug had no concerns about the way the money was collected. Karr said Peoria County's DARE program is run through private donations, and Woodford County's previous police dog was bought through donations.
The dog has been ordered and will be available for use at the end of August to help with drug investigations and tracking, Pierceall said.
Deputy Marshal Smith will train with and handle the dog.
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