Idaho Treasurer Ron Crane may soon be getting help making sure taxpayers' money is safe after auditors rebuked him for inappropriately transferring tens of millions of dollars to state accounts where it was lost.
The Senate State Affairs Committee Wednesday approved a measure to create a new, five-person advisory board to make sure Crane or future treasurers are appropriately managing accounts.
In January, state auditors said Crane's office fell short of its responsibilities, losing $10 million and risking millions more in unrealized losses from ill-advised 2008 transactions.
For his part, Crane denies ignoring internal controls but acknowledges oversight shortcomings, at the time.
Now, Crane says he supports the advisory board promoted by Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill to ensure taxpayers can have confidence public money is being handled properly.