POCATELLO - When you write a check for your property taxes or other fees in Bannock County you can write it to the county, or to the elected official over that department.

But some viewers are concerned that means someone could take your money and put it in their own account.

No one can remember a time when tax-payer money was taken and put into a personal account, and elected officials feel it's unlikely that any of the millions of dollars coming into the county would ever be taken. Karl Anderson, Bannock County Commissioner said, "I'm going to have to say it's probably a 99.9999% that can never happen."

Radene Barker, Bannock County Treasurer agreed, "I can't say it's 100% safe, but I can say it's 99.9999% safe."

But even if it's only an slight chance that someone could put your tax dollars into their account why not change it? Karl Anderson said, "This has been going on for years and years. It's not like a policy it's just what they do."

Another reason is that county leaders feel like it helps people remember who is in charge. Barker said, "A lot of people like to make it out to the person so they know the person. They know who to contact."

But if the check is made out to a specific person and they want to put it in their personal account, the bank is obligated to do it. Ron Johnson, Chief Operating and Financial Officer for the Bank of Commerce said, "If that individual comes in, presents the check with proper identification it's a valid check, and a valid contract."

So what keeps someone at the county from taking your money? "Because of the checks and balances we've got in place," said Karl Anderson.

Jolyn Anderson, Bannock County Assessor added, "Every night, every week they balance in their office. Then they bring the money to the treasurer's office, and that money has to be balanced through the treasurer's office."

The county also has an auditor that checks everything, and an independent auditor makes regular stops to look for problems. But writing a check to a specific person isn't your only option. Jolyn Anderson said, "We'll accept checks made out to the Bannock County Assessor, to Bannock County, some people make it out to Jolyn Anderson-it doesn't matter."

Johnson said, "If you should do it in an individuals name it would need to be, so and so on behalf of the business name."

And anytime you write out a check to the County, a business, or another person make sure to keep an eye on your account for anything that doesn't match your records. Jolyn Anderson said, "We try very hard to make sure the money is taken care of and is safe."

After checking with other Southeast Idaho Counties Eyewitness News learned that Bingham and Jefferson Counties also accept checks made out to a specific person.

Power, Bonneville, Madison, and Fremont Counties all ask that you only write your check with the county name, not the name of the elected official.