By Todd Hatton
Paducah, KY – Kentucky state Auditor Crit Luallen says McCracken County has violated a state law for at least 15 years by giving road department employees an annual boot allowance without requiring proof the money was used for boots. Judge-Executive Van Newberry says the county's contract with the union employees requires the cash payment. The Paducah Sun reports 15 employees receive the approximately $200 annual payment.
Luallen says state law prohibits lump-sum payments for such expenses and that the policy should be eliminated. The ban has been in place since 1950, but there is no criminal penalty for violating the law. However, Luallen's report states the county can reimburse employees for boots but only after they provide written proof of purchase.
Newberry says the issue will be discussed with the union when it negotiates a new contract next spring.