Schuylkill County Clerk of Courts Maria T. Casey’s plan to improve her office received a boost Tuesday from one of the most experienced holders of such an office in the state.
Berks County Clerk of Courts James P. Troutman, who grew up in Pottsville and lives in Hamburg, brought his almost 29 years of experience to his hometown for the meeting with Casey, who is in her first year in the office.
“Maria asked if we would come up and share some of our processes we do in Berks County,” said Troutman, who was accompanied by his chief deputy, Beth Hartman, and his administrative assistant, Beth Bond. “We’re showing how we handle our financial obligations.”
Those financial problems led to the retirement of Stephen M. Lukach Jr. amid a federal investigation of missing money in the office. Lukach, a Democrat, has not been charged with any crimes.
Casey, a Minersville Republican, was elected in November 2015, succeeding Democrat Thomas J. Campion Jr., who was appointed to the position and did not run for a full four-year term.
She said she would immediately institute one recommendation of fellow Republican Troutman, manual receipts for deposited money, with other changes to follow.
“We just want to make sure we have the proper internal controls in place,” Casey said. “It’s an ongoing process.”
Troutman made several suggestions to Casey during his visit, one of the most notable being that people who take payments at the counter of the office not be the ones who take deposits to the bank.
“It’s called segregation of duties,” he said. “We’re taking in $6 million to $8 million a year.”
Troutman said that can be done in Casey’s office even though she has fewer employees than he does. It is “a big part of doing it properly” and was recommended by auditors, he said.
Casey is happy to have that advice.
“I’m thrilled to have his expertise,” she said.
Another thing Casey wants to do to improve the office is increase security.
“There should be a designated area that’s secure to take receipt of the money,” she said. “It also provides protection for the staff.”
She also is considering another idea from Berks: a $5 financial processing fee for credit card payments. That will ensure the county does not lose money on those transactions, according to Casey.
These measures show Casey is on the right path, according to Troutman.
“They seem to be on track doing everything correctly right now,” he said.