ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, April 8, 1997 TAG: 9704080085
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: what's on your mind?
SOURCE: RAY REED
Q: I handle a trust for my grandchildren and file annual reports with Salem's commissioner of accounts. The fee for this filing suddenly went from $18 to $100 because a judge approved it. Why do we need a commissioner of accounts when the report is eventually filed with the court clerk and I pay a bonding fee to insure my handling of the trust? J.A., Salem
A: First, we need to explain who commissioners of accounts are and what they do.
These are people, lawyers usually, selected by circuit judges to audit financial reports from individuals who handle other people's money.
There are at least five of these commissioners in Roanoke and Salem. They review estates, and reports by guardians of infants or adults who aren't able to manage their money.
These commissioners' purpose, as described by Roanoke Judge Cliff Weckstein, is to make sure fund managers are properly accounting for the money.
It's detailed paper work that judges and court clerks might not have time to do - although clerks in small localities sometimes do it.
Commissioners, if necessary, help people get their reports correct - and dog them to file if they miss deadlines.
Now, to your comment about the fees.
A statewide guideline for a fee schedule was begun last summer. Before that, circuit courts around the state established their own fees.
Furman Whitescarver, a commissioner of accounts in Salem, said the lowest fee that could have been charged for your report in the past 10 years was $25. Now it's $100 - the minimum fee for almost every kind of account.
You might be interested in this provision at the end of the fee guidelines: "In exceptional circumstances, the commissioner may reduce any of the foregoing fees."
Campaign surplus
Q: I recently called Rep. Bob Goodlatte's office to ask what happened to $485,000 he raised to run against Jeff Grey last fall. I didn't get a return call. Does Rep. Goodlatte keep the money when he retires? E.S., Roanoke
A: Goodlatte's cash balance on Dec. 31 was $312,820, and he plans to roll it over into his next campaign.
That's the word from Tim Phillips, who was Goodlatte's media representative last year and now works as a consultant.
Goodlatte started the campaign with $170,000 in reserve, raised $709,000 and spent $567,000, according to his report filed with the Federal Election Commission.
It would be legal for Goodlatte to donate the leftover funds to charities, educational purposes or the political party of his preference, but he won't be doing that.
Goodlatte is holding the money in reserve in case his next opponent is better-funded than Grey, who raised $107,000 and spent $94,000 in losing by a 2-1 margin.
Phillips said Goodlatte won't use the money to support the Republican Party's other candidates because he feels donors expected it to be used in the Sixth District.
One senator who retired this year is using some of his unspent money to establish an exhibit as a memorial to his political career. Another ex-lawmaker is endowing a university chair.
Time was, retired (or ousted) lawmakers could convert their leftover campaign donations to their personal use. A 1992 law ended that practice.
Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Maybe we can find the answer. Call us at 981-3118. Or, e-mail RAYR@Roanoke.com
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