STATEHOUSE (Feb. 4, 2021) — The House Committee on Local Government voted today in support of State Rep. Michael Aylesworth's (R-Hebron) legislation increasing accountability for elected county officials.
Aylesworth said this bill comes after a Lake County recorder reportedly stopped coming into work for 18 months due to personal matters, but still received pay. Aylesworth's legislation would provide an avenue for removing county elected officials who are not physically present in their office during regular office hours at least one workday each month during their elected term in office.
"Currently, bad actors could be voted out of office, but months could pass by while taxpayers continue to pay them,” Aylesworth said. “We need more accountability for county officials who simply decide not to show up, especially since the public is often unaware that this is happening. With my legislation, officials will have to show up and do their job, or counties will be able to take the appropriate action to fix the situation."
According to Aylesworth, his bill would allow the county executive to adopt a resolution to remove a county officer who does not show up at least one day a month. A hearing would occur before the resolution is adopted. Once adopted, the resolution would need approval by the county fiscal body. After the passage of these two resolutions, the removed official can petition a court to review the findings.
The proposal would apply to six elected county offices, including auditor, recorder, treasurer, surveyor, coroner and assessor.
House Bill 1030 now heads to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. For more information about this legislation, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
