Columbus – Controlling the cost of employee benefits could save more than $200,000 annually for the City of Fostoria (Seneca County) according to a performance audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

“Fostoria runs a pretty lean operation and has an established history of giving a hard eye to its books,” Auditor Yost said. “Every government would do well to follow that approach.”

The audit released today identifies savings that represent about 3 percent of the city budget. Audit recommendations include renegotiating leave and holiday pay to bring the levels more in line with state and peer averages, monitoring sick leave and overtime use, and increasing employees’ share of health insurance costs.

The audit also makes a number of management recommendations, such as improved financial forecasting and strategic planning, developing inventory systems for equipment, and enhancing various management information systems and recordkeeping.

A full copy of this performance audit can be found online.

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The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,600 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

Contact:
Carrie Bartunek
Press Secretary
614-644-1111