Columbus – As a result of inadequate financial records, Auditor of State Dave Yost placed Hiram Township (Portage County) on the “unauditable” list.

“Poor records lead to poor service for taxpayers,” Auditor Yost said.  “Auditable records must be provided to complete the audit and ensure accountability.”

During the course of the regular financial audit of Hiram Township for the period January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013, the independent accounting firm Charles E. Harris and Associates, Inc. determined, on the Auditor of State’s behalf, that the condition of the township’s financial records were not adequate to complete the audit.  In a letter to the township, the Auditor of State’s office provided a list of records required to complete the audit.

Within 90 days of the date of the letter, Hiram Township must revise its financial records and provide the necessary data.  Failure to bring records to an auditable condition may result in legal action, including the possibility of the attorney general issuing a subpoena to township officials to explain the condition of records.  The attorney general may also file suit to compel the officials to prepare and/or produce the required information.

The Auditor of State’s Local Government Section (LGS) is available to township officials to assist in bringing records to an auditable condition.  LGS provides a wide variety of services to local governments, including reconstructing financial records and aid in the reconciliation of books.

An entity is removed from the “unauditable” list once the audit is completed and released to the public.