Columbus – Overpayments to Good Hope Township’s (Hocking County) trustees and fiscal officer resulted in findings for recovery totaling $5,909 in an audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

“Township officials’ salaries can’t exceed the limits set by state law,” Auditor Yost said. “Good Hope Township needs to take a closer look at the state’s compensation rules to ensure officials are paid proper amounts.”

The Ohio Revised Code lists the rates at which township trustees and fiscal officers may be paid based on their annual budget. During 2013 and 2014, Good Hope Township trustees were entitled to compensation of $8,490 per year, and the fiscal officer was entitled to $12,733 per year. However, the township overpaid each of its three trustees $514 and its fiscal officer $1,414 per year during both years.

Findings for recovery in the amounts of $1,028 each were issued against Trustees Harley Goss, Rodney Watkins and Richard Hacker. An additional finding for recovery in the amount of $2,828 was issued against Fiscal Officer Tammy Crawford. The findings were repaid in December 2015.

A full copy of this report may be accessed 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 5,800 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.

Contact:
Carrie Bartunek
Director of Communications
614-644-1111