(La Porte, IN) - A local official says a late monetary payment with taxpayer funds was not his fault.

La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz says the monthly bill on a bond payment several months ago was sent to the former auditor, Joie Winski. Winski is now La Porte County Treasurer.

Stabosz, elected La Porte County Auditor in November, said the lending institution was not aware of the change, perhaps, when it sent an e-mail to Winski seeking payment on the day the payment was due. Winski then notified him about the past-due bill, but he couldn’t make it that day since he was at an auditor-related conference out of town.

“Thanks to the former auditor now treasurer, which we appreciate, for notification when the payment was due,” Stabosz said.

He said the payment was made when he returned the next day without penalty.

Recently, Stabosz was criticized for the late payment by LaPorte County attorney Shaw Friedman and other political opponents. Friedman is presently suing Stabosz on claims of defamation of character.