Ex-Benton official admits fund misuse

A former director of the Benton County Conservation Department used the county's charge account to pay for fuel for his personal car, the state Auditor's Office has found.

A release from the office said former director William Hebner admitted he bought gas for his own vehicle using county funds, including on days when he was on vacation or out sick, starting in March 2011.

The county attorney requested the audit over concerns about financial transactions Hebner authorized between June 1, 2010, and Nov. 7, 2011.

The release said supporting documentation was not sufficient to determine whether there were additional gas purchases for personal cars.

The report also includes recommendations to strengthen the Conservation Department's internal controls and overall operations to avoid such issues, including improving segregation of duties, issuing pre-numbered receipts and preparing an initial receipts listing.

County Attorney Dave Thompson could not immediately be reached for comment on whether his office plans to file charges based on the report.