ELBERT COUNTY, Colo. -- A mistake in the way car registration fees were allocated is costing Elbert County $1 million and possibly four jobs.

For two years, Elbert County was appropriately allocating money from vehicle registration fees to roads and bridges.

However, the county was posting the same amount to the general fund, a "ghost" amount that didn't really exist because it was already being banked in the roads and bridges fund, according to Elbert County chair of the commissioner's board Hope Goetz.

"This was not dishonesty, it was a clerical error," said Goetz.

"Honest mistake" or not, it's the kind of waste that infuriates voters.

"I think we need to start paying attention to our elected officials," said Kiowa resident Claudia Henning. "There needs to be oversight."

"It shouldn't have happened," said Elbert County resident John Dillon. "I suppose that's also one of the things that happens when you elect people who are really unqualified to do the kind of work that they're going to be asked to do."

Goetz told 7NEWS the county is instituting a three-year pay back plan. In order to make up the difference, the county will be forced to lay off at least four staff members.

"It's a blow to us to have the third round of cuts in just three months. But, we're handling it," said Goetz. "I'm not looking to place blame."

However, Goetz said the clerical error should have been caught by six or seven people who overlooked it, including the county treasurer, budget officers, auditors and clerks.

It's not yet known what positions will be eliminated.

"It's a shame," said Dillon of what he views as incompetence.