Freestone county commissioners reversed a decision Monday morning that was made several weeks ago--- they reinstated advances given to employees who are attending schools and workshops.

The advances had been cancelled after county auditor Brittania Blanks told commissioners last month that a few employees will not turn in their paperwork so she can balance the accounts.

Generally, employees are issued money before attending a workshop to pay for food, gas and hotel costs. When they return, a statement is given to the auditor's office with receipts accounting for the money spent, and change back, if any is due. Employees have seven working days to bring in their receipts.

A few employees do not mind the seven day rule, actually dragging out their accounting for months, causing problems for the auditing system.

Because commissioners are in agreement that there is no excuse for the delay, they cancelled advances altogether. However, that ruling is causing hardships for the employees who are now having to pay for their own expenses, and then get reimbursed by the county.

On Monday, commissioners agreed that the canceling of advances was causing too many problems for employees, and agreed to reinstate the policy. Those who do not turn their paperwork on time will be dealt with individually by county commissioners