Columbus – An audit released by Auditor of State Keith Faber today orders former Fiscal Officer Julie Vaughan to repay the Village of Fletcher in Miami County $1,085 for a late fee on a loan payment.

Auditors found that on June 25, 2016, the village issued a check for $22,800.65 to Fifth Third Bank for payment on a loan due June 1. The loan was associated with the village’s water treatment plant. Included within the payment was money for a late fee against the village totaling $1,085.

Expenditures made by a government entity are required to serve a proper public purpose. Ohio law determines that the incurrence and payment of late fees is not a proper public purpose.

“These are easily avoidable fines that taxpayers are not responsible for,” said Auditor Faber. “I encourage the village to put strong controls in place to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again.”

In accordance with these facts, the Auditor of State’s office issued a finding for recovery for $1,085 against Julie Vaughan and her bonding company, CNA Surety, and in favor of the village’s water operating fund.

A full copy of this 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 Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government. 

Contact:

Public Affairs

(614) -644-1111