Wyatt Responds to Accusations from Kirbyville School District

By: Monte Schisler, News Director
Posted: Thursday, January 26, 2012

An attorney for the Kirbyville School District is accusing Taney County of ignoring previous questions about the distribution of tax funds. An error surfaced last week when it was discovered Kirbyville received money, over a ten year period, that should have gone to Hollister, Forsyth and Branson. St. Louis Attorney Sara Rubenstein claims this isn’t the first time the error was brought to the attention of county officials.

Sara Rubenstein 2012A200

When asked for details, Rubenstein didn’t know exactly how many times or when the Kirbyville School District raised the question.

In an interview with HometownDailyNews.com, County Collector Sheila Wyatt says she is shocked, and disputes the allegations:

Sheila Wyatt 2012A201

The attorney for the Kirbyville School District is hopeful the payment error can be resolved among the parties involved, and not end up in court. Wyatt says her goal is to correct the issue, in a way that would cause the least harm, to any one school.

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Accusations have surfaced, claiming Taney County knew about an error in the distribution of tax funds to the Kirbyville School District, that should have gone to Forsyth, Hollister and Branson. St. Louis Attorney Sara Rubenstein works for the law firm representing Kirbyville School District. While not providing specific dates, she tells HometownDailyNews.com the school approached the county several times in recent years about the discrepancy, but was told not to worry about it:

Sara Rubenstein 2012A202

Taney County Collector Sheila Wyatt disputes the allegations that have been sent to the County Commission, in the form of a letter from the Kirbyville Superintendent.

Sheila Wyatt 2012A203

The attorney for the Kirbyville School District is hopeful the payment error can be resolved among the parties involved, and not end up in court.

To see a copy of the letter the Kirbyville School District sent the Taney County Commission, click on the link with this story at HometownDailyNews.com

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Kirbyville School District Letter to Taney County Commission:

http://www.krzkradio.com/uploads/ae090c2e4cc19420ffc3a5e02f788239.pdf

Comments (22) - comment on this story

concerned citizen - 01/26/2012 9:12:02 PM

It's clear from Hometown Radio's reporting on this story that they are supporter of Mrs. Wyatt, no matter what wrong doing she has done. There has been a complete failure to report Mrs. Wyatt problems as collector. This stations news crew even failed to be at the County Commission today where the discussion was held, poor reporting if you only get things from one side.

Oh she is shocked? - 01/26/2012 9:38:38 PM

Mrs. Wyatt thinks she is shocked and disputes the allegations. We are not talking about petty cash, nor money enough to buy a pound of coffee, we're talking about a huge amount. Mrs. Wyatt should say I'm sorry, I don't know how to fix it and hand in her resignation. There is no need playing footsie with this issue. Its done, done wrong in a big way, its time to get someone that is capable and move on.

dr don - 01/27/2012 5:18:08 AM

resign quit finger pointing

Tired - 01/27/2012 7:33:53 AM

Taney County is messed up from the collector to the clerk to the sheriff and definately the commissioners. It's time to clean house people. Lets start over with a fresh group.

Think about this.... - 01/27/2012 8:37:34 AM

If you put $1000. in your checking account the first day of each month for one year, that is $12000.00 If, after the end of the first year, you realize it hasn't been credited to your account, you go directly to the bank. The bank researches this immediately, says we are sorry, by mistake we put this in XYZ account, and not yours. The bank doesn't say you talk to XYZ and you work out with them how they can give the money back to you....NO, they put the money in your account right then, they they will work out THEIR problem with XYZ. This is what Mrs. Wyatt has done, but told the customer lets see how XYZ will give YOUR money back to you. She should cough up the money for Hollister NOW, then figure out how she can get the money back from Kirbyville, if they are willing to pay it back. If they are not, the problem is hers, not any other schools. Perhaps the best way out right now is turn this entire office over to a CPA firm and Mrs. Wyatt resign and apologize deeply for what she has created. This will not go over the riffles and be forgotten about, its a major mess for the entire County government.

Missi Hesketh - 01/27/2012 8:53:31 AM

Perhaps before crucifying Mrs. Wyatt we should understand the process fully of how systems are updated when addresses change. As for "Concerned Citizen," way to not be able to count... I spy two interviews in the article.

Parent of 2 Kirbyville Students - 01/27/2012 9:14:40 AM

I have not always agreed with to decisions that the "District" has made. However, I do agree with Mr. Carless Osbourn the school Superintendent on this topic. Mrs Sheila Wyatt needs to have an accounting firm agreed upon by all parties to do an audit of the Collectors books. I feel like Mrs Shila Wyatt has sweeped this matter under the rug hopeing no one would find her in error. Well Mrs Wyatt, Sometimes people "overlook" the dust and some people move furniture and rugs to clean thier house. I promise I will not vote for you and I will tell others what you do (or don't do)in your Office. Also, I saw a picture of you in a newspaper clipping helping with a new concrete sidewalk outside the court house a few years ago or so.(In fact I belive it was just outside your office) Why dont you let the starving construction workers work and dont try to take center stage when you see a camera around. I am sure it was one of your campaign stunts to make people think you are so hard working and you work for the people. I ask that you do me and the rest of Taney County and seek a formal resignation or early retirement. It would save us all a lot of wasted breath and tax dollars.

Wait maybe you missed something - 01/27/2012 9:43:34 AM

Wyatt should not resign perhaps you all missed the fact that this was a computer error. NOT HUMAN. Yes is a horrible mistake and she has had the error corrected by the programmer and I'm sure her office will be much more cautious with audits in the future. Imagine if someone wanted to fire you everytime you made a mistake. That is not how you run a business. Cut the woman some slack.

Citizen - 01/27/2012 10:53:48 AM

So, I wonder who has kids in Kirbyville Schools and also has influence in Taney County government? Very interesting!

concerned reader - 01/27/2012 3:11:57 PM

It is a BIG mistake but if you know Mrs, Wyatt you know that she is torn apart by this & is trying to resolve it in the best way. I don't recall as many calls for resignation when the assesor cost the county much more money for compliance issues. Pray for her instead of casting dispersions on her

Taxpayer - 01/27/2012 6:16:08 PM

Thank You KRKZ for presenting the above link in order to read Kirbyville school's letter. It certainly exposes a completely differing report of this unfortunate event than has been reported in newspapers. The County Collector it appears from the facts in the letter has most certainly given a different story to the public. 1st we hear it just happened this Jan.2012. Now Mr. Osborn points out the increase of tax money had been questioned before January 2012.

Reader - 01/27/2012 6:35:12 PM

Railroad and Utility Tax payments have been incorrect when disbursed to local schools it appears. What about real estate, personal property and other taxes distributed by this office. Have they been paid out correctly over the last 10 years?

All I can say is WOW - 01/28/2012 5:49:35 AM

why don't you add all the other comments on the related/previous stories as a continuation / They all have intresting points of view.

Bye...bye - 01/28/2012 8:17:47 AM

Mrs. Waytt, Take ownership and responsibility for your departments error. Fix the problem and be on your merry way.

Not a local........ - 01/28/2012 1:10:51 PM

This is a classic example of the farce that calls itself the bible belt. How can so many god fearing people be so ruthless, mean and cut-throat? Is she guilty until proven innocent? So many people on the resign bandwagon. This lady is dedicated beyond all others. Must be nice to have never made a mistake like you all appear to be. Must be a wonderful feeling. You all should be ashamed of yourself. Oh, I forgot you will go to church this Sunday and cleanse your soul. Hope that works for you and I certainly hope none of you ever make a single mistake in your job. UNREAL you people UNREAL!

Yeah - 01/28/2012 4:54:51 PM

Isn't Mrs. Wyatt involved in a lawsuit of some sort with Taney County involving her pay?? Wasn't she being overpaid? Who's error was that???

Reality - 01/29/2012 5:22:52 PM

If a coach doesn't have a winning year they get fired. If a CEO let's his company fall apart they get fired. If an employee were to make a mistake of this magnitude they would get fired. This is Mrs. Wyatt's department and she is ultimately responsible for the good, bad and ugly. This is the grown-up world and she has to take her medicine like any other employee. This is a huge mistake by her department and you can't just blame the computer.

TSS - 01/30/2012 6:31:33 AM

A computer error that lasted for 10 years?!! Wouldn't it be her job to at least check this just once within a 10-year period? NOW, COME ON!! If this was not happening within a county office with an elected official, but was in a private business SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN BOOTED OUT THE DOOR SOOOOO FAST. She definitely was not doing her job, elected official or not.

response to NOT A LOCAL - 01/30/2012 1:28:03 PM

Dear Not a Local, If you lived here and you knew the junk that was going on here in Taney County then you wouldnt be so quick to jump the gun. Yes, many of us are Christians and most of the time I try to dust my feet with her and move on. After so many times of hearing about what she isnt doing, it gets really annoying. She needs to check her numbers annually to make sure that everyones fair share is being divied out properly. She is taking the easy way out and going home with her paycheck every week. I work at a retail store and if the numbers dont come out right then we have to back track the issue. If we give to much change back we have to pay it out of our pocket, if we sell something cheaper than what it was supposed to sell for we are responsible for it. There are many things in life that we have to pay for if we mess up. Also, not everyone in the "Bible Belt" are Christians. Our President of the United States says he is Christian. Is he? If so I dont see it in his actions, speech, etc... As a Christian you dont just speak it and tell everyone you are a Christian you Live it.

whipsmart - 01/30/2012 1:50:04 PM

LOL these republicans.

Here we go.... - 01/30/2012 2:38:43 PM

You Taney County right wingnuts just can't pass up a chance to slam the President. To Quote Response to Not a Local "Our President of the United States says he is Christian. Is he? If so I dont see it in his actions, speech, etc. You must see a different President than I. I suppose you still live in the days of worshiping the Annointed One, George Bush. Can't help but feel sorry for you.

Where is our County Auditor Mr. Findley? - 01/31/2012 1:28:31 PM

I was just wondering if Rick Findley checked any of these figures any of these years? He seems to be hiding out somewhere. Maybe we should just rely on State Audits?