Auditor's determination on referendum petitions acknowledged by commissioners; board affirms no authority to place measure on ballot

Lawrence County's auditor presented a written determination regarding referendum petitions and the commission formally accepted that advice, concluding the county does not have authority to certify the measure for placement on the ballot.

Auditor Brenda delivered a written opinion regarding the petitions and the board held a motion to approve and accept the auditor's letters. A commissioner asked the board to state explicitly that it agreed there was no authority to certify the measure for the ballot; that statement was included in the motion and the board approved it by voice vote.

Why it matters: The auditor's legal determination closes the immediate procedural path for placing the referenced petition-driven measure on the county ballot. The commissioners' vote to accept the auditor's letters clarifies the county's administrative position and was recorded to appear in the official minutes.

What happened at the meeting: Commissioner Richard moved to approve the auditor's letters and explicitly stated that the board agreed there was no authority to certify the petitions for placement on the ballot. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

No further legal or statutory sources were cited on the record during the discussion; commissioners said they were acting on the auditor's written opinion and declined to take independent action to certify the petition to the ballot.