An ethics complaint has been made against longtime Howard County Assessor Woody McCutcheon that he used his office to campaign for his niece, who is running for county treasurer.

McCutcheon allegedly contacted a woman to confirm her address here in Howard County, then later asked if he could put a campaign sign in her yard.

McCutcheon told the Advertiser that he made the call from his office but stressed he did it on his own time.

His niece is Stacie McCutcheon, who won the Republican primary in August. She faced Independent candidate Sarah Thompson for Howard County Treasurer in the November 3 general election.

Howard County Clerk Shelly Howell confirmed she filed the complaint with the ethics commission after the county was made aware of the situation.