(Breaking news) County considers eliminating elected treasurer position

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Charles County commissioners began the process Tuesday of eliminating the county's elected treasurer position in favor of re-creating it as a new county employee post.

The county's action came at the urging of current Treasurer Jerome E. Peuler Jr. (R), who stated in a letter last month that the county could face severe consequences if an unqualified person is elected to the office.

The letter was a response to questions from Commissioner Gary V. Hodge (D) who asked Peuler's opinion about whether the treasurer position should be elected or appointed when Peuler came before the commissioners Feb. 10 to propose new investment guidelines for the county. At that time, Peuler demurred, saying he was not prepared to present his opinion on the matter.

However, on Feb. 24, Peuler answered Hodge's question with a three-page analysis of the treasurer position and a recommendation that the post be converted into an appointed position.

"As I stated in the meeting, I am somewhat conflicted in the matter," Peuler wrote. "I realize that I was elected to serve in the Office of Treasurer by the citizens of Charles County. However, I believe that ultimately this position should be filled by appointment …"

Peuler listed three reasons for his recommendation, stating that the county treasurer must have the qualifications to manage and invest county funds; the integrity to ensure that the funds are accounted for; and the management skills to run an office of 14 financial professionals.

"The compelling problem with an elected treasurer is that there are no requirements to hold this office except age and residency," Peuler wrote. He said a candidate must have the experience and education to handle the office's responsibilities and added, "This is no longer a casual, part-time position."

Peuler said he oversees the daily investment of $20 million.

"I am investing and managing more financial resources than any other local banking institution in Charles County," Peuler wrote. "…The loss of these investments would be catastrophic to the citizens and could impact every facet of the Charles County government. … County government is big business."

Peuler said an unscrupulous candidate could do other types of damage.

"Given the variety of complex functions performed in processing payments to our office, it would be possible for a treasurer or someone in that office to commit fraud over a long period of time before discovery in the absence of continuous oversight."

Peuler urged stringent qualification requirements and financial and criminal background checks for any employee hired to replace the treasurer. He further noted that only nine of Maryland's 23 jurisdictions have an elected treasurer.

The county's treasury office is one of its oldest, dating back to the founding of the county 350 years ago.

"There may be some criticism of a decision to convert the treasurer to an appointed position," Peuler wrote, "however, I believe the vast majority of residents have no opinion either way, and I will support the change."

Peuler said his only personal concern was job security, but noted he would be willing to work for the county's Democratic commissioner board.

Hodge called Peuler's letter "very thoughtful" and moved that the board draft legislation to carry out Peuler's recommendation.

Commissioner Samuel N. Graves Jr. (D) agreed with Hodge, noting that the county has been fortunate to benefit from Peuler's talents. Commissioner Reuben B. Collins II (D) said the proposal deserved strong consideration.

Commissioner Edith J. Patterson (D) said, "I commend [Peuler] for being forward-thinking."

The commissioners voted to direct County Attorney Roger Fink to draft a bill converting the treasurer's position. The process could take several months. The bill will be introduced and subject to a public hearing before passage. However, the county's code home rule form of government allows the bill to be passed without the consent of the Maryland General Assembly.

jfriess@somdnews.com