KSAWTV.COM | Twin Falls News, Breaking News, Weather and Sports-Debate Over Profiting Canyon County Taxpayer Money
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Canyon County Prosecutor John Bujak and his office have a contract with the city of Nampa stating they're due whatever tax money is left over from prosecuting criminal with misdemeanors.
The debate: whether or not that's fair.
Today's Channel 6 News had an exclusive interview with the prosecutor and this is what he had to say: "Is it appropriate for me to make a profit on the contract? Quite frankly, that's something between the City of Nampa and me and the county commissioners and me," said Canyon County Prosecutor John Bujak.
Bujak said all the money that's been spent in Nampa has been made public. It's a $600-thousand dollar annual contract for legal work and reports show that as much as $50-thousand dollars can be left over for Bujak's office.
He said he's just doing his job and his personal records should not be made public.
"I don't think anyone should have to give over their private banking record," said Bujak.
The Nampa City Council has now agreed to pay the Canyon County Auditor directly for legal services provided by the county prosecutor to remove doubt. A move that has nothing to do with Bujak's work.
"The action the city council took last night is in no way any dissatisfaction with the manner which he's conducting business of prosecution," said Nampa Mayor Tom Dale.
Many city leaders have said they are happy with Bujak's work for the county.
He's looking forward to renegotiating the contract's terms to make it clear how his office is spending taxpayer money.
"Makes everyone feel comfortable with the arrangement so we can continue to fight crime in a cost effective manner, in a way that's transparent and so the people can understand and respect," said Bujak.
Bujak's contract is up for renewal on October 1st and city leaders will decide then how your taxpayer dollars will be distributed.
