The audit also found the county had to pay $73,302 in interest unnecessarily on the purchase because paperwork wasn’t filed in a timely manner with the county clerk.
The state auditor on Monday criticized Creek County commissioners, saying they violated the state constitution when they acquired 226 acres in 2013.
“Ultimately, the problem we have is that they bought the property and put it on the tax rolls without letting the citizens have any say so in it,” State Auditor Gary Jones said after releasing an audit of Creek County.
Commissioners used the eminent domain process to take the property outside the city limits of Sapulpa for economic development. A judge in 2013 approved the $1,125,000 acquisition.Property owners are paying more in ad valorem taxes over three years to cover the cost.
Source: Oklahoma auditor criticizes Creek County land purchase
