Columbus – Several payroll errors led to $6,995 in findings for recovery in an audit of the Canton Joint Recreation District (Stark County) released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

“Typically, 80 percent or more of public expenditures go toward salaries,” Auditor Yost said.  “Getting the numbers right for payroll is among the most important tasks for a local government.”

In 2012 and 2013, former District Director Nadine Sawaya received pay for 30 vacation days per year rather than the 20 days provided to full-time employees with 11 to 15 years of service. A finding for recovery was issued against Sawaya in the amount of $5,359.

Auditors also found the district treasurer received several retroactive salary increase payments in 2013 without formal board approval. A finding for recovery was issued in the amount of $931. As of the release of this report, the treasurer has repaid $310.31 and a repayment plan for the remaining amount is underway.

In addition, nine full-time district employees were overpaid amounts ranging from $32 to $330 during the fiscal year 2012. During fiscal year 2013, the district also underpaid two of the nine employees in the amounts of $248 and $533. The underpayments offset an overpayment to one employee completely, as well as a portion of the finding for recovery amount issued against Sawaya. Findings for recovery were issued against seven employees in the total amount of $705. As of the release of this report, five employees have repaid a total of $250.

A full copy of this report may be accessed online.

###

The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,800 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.