Idaho Treasurer Wants Third Party Audit

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Treasurer Ron Crane says his office should be reviewed by an independent third party, requesting the change about one year after legislative auditors claimed Crane's office improperly transferred millions of taxpayer dollars.

Crane asked state budget writers Monday for permission to raise fees to pay for a $60,000 annual independent audit. The review would be conducted by outside investment portfolio experts beginning in fiscal year 2016. The state's legislative services office currently performs an annual audit of Idaho's financial records.

Last year, an internal audit said that Crane's office transferred investments that resulted in a loss of more than $10 million in taxpayer money. Crane disputed the audit's findings. Crane said the state's first ever external audit last year found no problems.