In light of recent news concerning the loss of cash from the Cayuga County Treasurer's Office, I would like to clarify the following.

The process for handling cash payments were long-time practices designed to ensure the public was separated from any monies collected. During the time of the loss, there was an increase in employee traffic due to in-house construction within our office. This presented an opportunity for an unknown person to study these processes and commit a crime of theft. It also presented our office an opportunity to examine how we could do business more efficiently and securely. The immediate results were an increase in internal controls and traffic pattern changes for those entering our office.

Aside from discussions on what should or should not have been practiced, the underlying fact is one person breached the trust of their employer by committing a crime and cast a shadow over all those hard-working and dedicated employees who have access to our office.

In addition, I want to make the following very clear:

€ The employees of the Treasurer's Office were cleared of any involvement

€ We responded immediately and have worked very closely with the sheriff's office during this investigation

€ The lost money is recoverable through the county's insurance carrier

€ I am available for comments at 253-1491 or e-mail

jorman@cayugacounty.us

This has not been a pleasant experience for us to endure. However, I want to reassure the taxpayers that your money is handled in a professional manner and our office will continue to expand upon the many positive improvements we have made to date.

James Orman

Auburn

Orman is Cayuga County treasurer