ST. PAUL — A key Republican leader in the Minnesota House is calling for hearings into the actions of the Democratic state auditor.

County auditors accuse State Auditor Rebecca Otto of pressuring them into long-term audit contracts with her office, even though a new state law will allow them to hire private audit firms beginning in 2016.

The auditors say they received a letter directing 59 Minnesota counties to sign a three-year contract with Otto. They say the letter came without warning and has an Aug. 21 deadline to sign.

Chisago County Administrator Bruce Messelt tells WCCO-TV that it feels like more of an order than an invitation to negotiate.

Otto says she’s seeking “consistency and efficiency.” She says her actions are lawful and aren’t a political strategy.