Bernice Albers will be assuming her role as Chase County Treasurer a bit earlier than originally anticipated, so long as her appointment gains approval at the state level.
Monday night, during a special convention of the Chase County Republican Committee, members voted for Albers to take on the role of Treasurer temporarily until January, when she will begin her official term in office, having been elected to the position during the primary earlier this year by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. Albers says she is looking forward to stepping into the role, though earlier than expected, adding there is a “Steep learning curve,” however, she has nothing but confidence in her staff and that they will help get her up to speed in short order.
Albers’s ahead of schedule appointment follows the resignation of former Treasurer Dow Wilson, who vacated the post earlier this month, shortly after Chase County Commissioners approved a forensic audit into financial dealings within the Treasurer’s office during Wilson’s tenure. The audit is currently ongoing and when asked if she felt the investigation would in any way impact her work, Albers stated she doesn’t believe it will cause any disruption.
Chase County Attorney Brian Henderson stated in a commission hearing in late August that “lots of irregularities” dating back to 2022 were recently discovered as part of annual audit work done by certified public accountant Cindy Jensen. Henderson says the potential irregularities amount to between $50,000 and $100,000 with no legal justification.
Following Monday’s convention, KVOE News sought comment on the progress of the investigation from Chase County Sheriff Jacob Welsh and Chase County Commissioner Gene Line. Neither was able to offer any comment or additional information.
Albers was the only candidate nominated Monday and her nomination must go to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for approval before it becomes official.
