County board agrees on audit to attempt downsizing

CREATED Mar. 12, 2013

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  • Lacey Crisp reports that the board is thinking of downsizing themselves. Video by 620wtmj.com

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MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County supervisors are talking about shrinking the size of the county board. Supervisors said they know there will be some changes to the board, but they argue they want an audit to know what changes would make the most sense.

But County Executive Chris Abele says another audit is a waste of money.

All but one supervisor voted to override Abele to allow an external audit.

“We're duplicating an audit we already have done,” said Deanna Alexander.

Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic argues it will help guide taxpayers to make smart changes to the board

We believe in having the most information and being transparent to make good decisions,” she said.

“An expensive audit with your money to again look at this to show anything otherwise is kind of a distraction,” Abele said. “I think we know what we need to do here.”

Abele told the board no on another audit to look at the efficiency and effectiveness of both the board and the executive's office, but Tuesday the board got its way.

No one has been hired to do the audit, so no one yet knows the cost, but supervisors say it will come from money that's already in their budget, to help guide reforms.

“I think you're going to see it,” said Dimitrijevic. “We're going to show leadership. We're going to show change in reforms here at the county board, but we believe it should be discussed locally.”

Supervisors will hold the first listening session about board reform Tuesday night at the Wilson Park Senior Center.