PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo.—The Archuleta County treasurer has been charged with two misdemeanors over allegations that she intermingled money from different accounts and transferred funds without county commissioners’ approval.
Lois Baker was formally advised of the charges Thursday. If convicted, she could be fined up to $500. She is due to appear in court July 2.
Baker did not return phone messages seeking comment.
Deputy District Attorney Alex Lowe said both charges stem from an incident on Nov. 21, 2006. Prosecutors have been investigating the county’s financial troubles.
Fast-growing Archuleta County has struggled with accounting regularities since 1999 and has overspent its budget every year except one since then.
It failed to file its annual audit with the state on time for three consecutive years, prompting the state to freeze the county’s ability to spend revenue from property taxes last year.
Since learning of the problems in March 2007, the county has cut as much as $5.9 million from a $16 million budget. Several programs and projects were suspended or cut, and more than 60 jobs were eliminated out of 217 employees.
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Information from: Durango Herald,
