Hamilton County Commissioners have asked the Indiana State Police to independently investigate claims made by a discharged employee in the county treasurer’s office, according to my news-gathering partners at the Hamilton Couunty Reporter. A lawsuit filed against Hamilton County and Treasurer Jennifer Templeton alleges that the office allowed county employees and family members to waive penalties on late property tax payments.

“While the county does not believe there is a factual basis for these charges, we feel it is our duty to ask an impartial party to investigate the claims,” County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said. “That’s why we have asked the Indiana State Police instead of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for help. We owe it to the taxpayers to investigate the claims and to assure them that their tax dollars are being managed properly.”

There is no word yet on whether or not the Indiana State Police will take up the case.