Ok, this is really dry and mundane, but it has to do with your wallet and mine, so pay attention!
The State recently released the latest audit for Miami Township (2004 and 2005) with some interesting findings. It seems, yet again, that there are some serious issues with internal control and accounting for funds. Similar reportable conditions have been issued in past years, still uncorrected. Some of the non-compliance citations identified by the audit include:
*Deficit cash balance in fund. A deficit cash balance indicates money from another fund(s) has been used to pay the obligations of the aforementioned funds. Uh, maybe robbing Peter to pay Paul?
*Expenditures exceeding appropriations (negative balance) in the following funds in 2004: Motor vehicle license, FEMA reimbursement grant, EMS Computer Grant, Byrne Memorial, TIF #1 Construction - which equals nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
The best part, not really, because the taxpayers of the township are on the hook due to shoddy accounting practices and leadership of the township:
[Text from audit] We believe the above conditions limit the ability of the Township’s accounting system to provide correct and timely data to management and other users. The condition of the accounting records has resulted in errors in the preparation of the Township’s annual financial statement filing with the State of Ohio and has required additional efforts to identify and make necessary corrections for the preparation of the audited statements" (p. 16).
Township’s Response
The Township is aware of the condition of the accounting system and is in the process of making steps to correct recording issues. Beginning in 2006, a full time finance director with applicable experience has been hired. Additional reviews and interim reporting to the Board of Trustees is being performed.
The fact is, it is 2007 and Miami Township DOES NOT have a finance director. There also was no line item in the 2007 budget for the hiring of such a person. Is this a case of "liar, liar, pants on fire?" Did the Township tell the State they had hired a finance director to get the State Auditor off their back?
Did you know that the Township has an elected 'Fiscal Officer' named Eric Ferry who is up for re-election in 2007. What is this man being paid for? He has served in this position since 1992. This is also the man who, it has been reported, told citizens that the Township budget was not public until AFTER it was approved by the Trustees. This, after details were published in the Cincinnati Enquirer. Hello!?!
Rest assured citizens of Miami Township: the Trustees apparently have no intention to hire someone to ensure that their fiduciary duty is upheld, however, they are hiring a facilities manager to manage their new Civic Center. Priorities!
For more information to to the actual audit:
Auditor of State of Ohio - Online Audit Search - Report Detail
1 comment:
Saw this in the minutes of the Miami Township record ... can government's pay "commissions?"
Mr. Tracy made a motion to promote Cindy Huxel from Part-Time Community Resource Director to Full-Time Community Resource Director, pay rate of $50,000 annually plus commission, effective November 15, 2006.
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