The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1907-02-28

There are 1877 school districts and
l, 514 organized towns in the state. It
is safe to assume that one man could
not properly examine more than 200
school districts and towns in a wear.
and on that basis it would require an
additional force of 46 deputy exami-
ners. We do not believe the legisla-
ture will authorize the employment of
40 additional deputy public examiners.
The bill could be bettered by making
it the duty of the county commits
sioners to appoint one or more COM
petent persons in their respective
counties to conduct the examinations.
But, better still, if each school dis
trict and township treasurer was
obliged to publish, either through the
newspapers or by circular, financial
statement prior to the town or school
district election each year, the same
purpose would be served and at less
expense. Publicity is absolutely nee
essary. Give the people of a school
district or township, an opportunity
of knowing how, by: whom and for
what purpose go per cent of all the
money they contribute in taxes is ex-
pended. Then if they are not satisfied
with the manner in which the affairs
of their school district or town is be-
ing conducted they can change at
least some of their officers and correct
the evils, if any exist.
Here is rough draft of bill which
we believe would be less expensive
and more efficacious than the mea sure
proposed by Mr.. Case:
Sec. 1. It is hereby made the duty
OF the treasurer of each organized
township and the treasurer of each
common school district of this state
to prepare at least ten days before
the annual elections in each year in
said townships and school districts
respectively, a detailed statement
showing the receipts and disburse-
ments of said treasurers for the fiscal
year then closing, the source of such
receipts, and the nature and purpose
Of such disbursements, the moneys on
hand and the purposes to which the
same are applicable, which statement
shall be submitted to the board of
supervisors or school board, as the
case may be, respectively, who shall
audit the same and compare it with
the treasurers' vouchers, then to be
submitted, and also verify the state
ments of cash on hand by actual in
spection, and if found correct shall
endorse their approval on such state
ment.
Sec. 2. Such treasurer shall at
once, and at least one week before
such annual election, procure such
statement and approval to be pub
lished once in a newspaper of general
circulation in said township or school
district, or in lieu thereof, and if d.
rected by such township or school
board, shall at least one week before
such annual election mail to each
voter in such township or school dis
trict copy of such statement and
approval printed in circular form.
Sec. 3. On being petitioned by any
five taxpayers of such township or
school district, the county commits
sloners Ut the county where such town
ship or school district is located.
shall appoint some competent person
as an accountant who shall examine
the books and accounts of such town
ship or school district, and if such
accountant finds said accounts and
records correct, and kept in accord
ance with law, and all money and
property of the township or school
district properly accounted for, he
shall make report of such facts and
hle the same with the county auditor
OF the county in which the examina-
ton is made. If upon such examina-
ton it shall appear that errors or vio-
lations of law are found in the keep
ing of the accounts or in handling the
money or property of the township or
school district, such errors or VIOLA
tion of law shall be reported in detail
in writing by such accountant to the
governor, who may, after citation and
hearing, remove from Office the officer
or officers so offending.
Sec. 4. The accountant appointed