On Special Assignment: Audit expected

GREEN BAY - A formal state review of the money being spent to house sex offenders on supervised release is one step closer. A formal state audit could be ordered as early as next week, according to legislative leaders, who indicate more law makers are asking for answers.

At issue are rents for some homes paid for by the Department of Health Services that sometimes are four times the going rate.

Records detailed in a FOX 11 investigation last month showed the state paying $2,500 for one house in Green Bay, and $1,600 for another in Manitowoc. In both cases, one sex offender on supervised release is placed in each home.

In all DHS rents 28 homes across the state, paying $550,000 in rent last year, according to DHS officials.

After a private meeting Wednesday between co-chairs of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, FOX 11 learned the full committee is tentatively scheduled to meet next week to approve a formal cost analysis of the supervised release program by the Legislative Audit Bureau.

Legislative officials say that audit will scrutinize the money being spent and explore options to save taxpayer money. 

State Senate President Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, was shocked at the high rents being paid by the state. He started the call for an audit after FOX 11's Mark Leland brought the expenditures to his attention. 

State Senator Joseph Leibham, R-Sheboygan, joined Ellis' initial request to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.

State Senator Rob Cowles, R-Allouez, is also asking for answers after meeting with Ellis and Leibham. Cowles is co-chair of the committee that is tentatively set to vote to approve the audit next week.

Ellis says a legislative audit could take up to two months to complete. The findings and potential cost-saving options will then be in the hands of the legislators.

Ellis says he is certain taxpayer money can be saved and is ready to push legislative action to make that happen if necessary, keeping the interests of taxpayers in mind.