Columbus – Darby Township (Union County) overpaid its fiscal officer and three trustees by a combined $12,850 over a span of two years, according to an audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost. 

The audit uncovered $4,000 in insurance reimbursements to Fiscal Officer Mary Dick during 2014 and 2015 even though no expenses related to insurance premiums were incurred. Auditors determined the reimbursements resulted from a misunderstanding of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC).

“A fiscal officer should have a complete understanding of the laws governing townships,” Auditor Yost said. “State law permits reimbursements for insurance premiums, not the costs of medical services.”

A review of township records also found insurance reimbursements to Trustee Roger Davenport exceeded the premiums he paid by $834.

Additionally, the following township administrators were compensated in excess of the rates set by the ORC during 2014 and 2015:

• Fiscal Officer Mary Dick:$3,772
• Trustee Doug Alderman:$1,373
• Trustee Dennis Blumenschein:$1,373
• Trustee Roger Davenport:$1,498

Findings for recovery totaling $7,772, $1,373, $1,373 and $2,332 were issued against Dick, Alderman, Blumenschein and Davenport, respectively. All four individuals repaid the full amounts of the findings to the township earlier this year. 

A full copy of this report is available 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 5,900 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