Columbus – Officials at Elk Township owe $1,392 to the Vinton County community for overpayments they received in 2017, state auditors reported today. 

The financial audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost found the township used incorrect pay rates when calculating compensation for three trustees. 

“Stronger internal controls could have prevented these wasteful errors,” Auditor Yost said. “The township’s fiscal officer should monitor employee pay rates regularly to ensure their accuracy.”

The errors caused Jerry Scarberry and Roy Robinette to each receive $1,698 in excessive pay. However, both trustees were underpaid by $1,158 during 2015, meaning they each owe $540 to the township. Trustee John Knox owes $312 for his overpayments from 2017. 

State auditors issued findings for recovery against the three individuals, ordering them to repay a total of $1,392. Fiscal Officer Marsha Collins is jointly liable for the overpayments because she authorized them.

A full copy of the report is available online.

###

The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 6,000 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:
Beth Gianforcaro
Press Secretary
614-644-1111