Announcements
For Immediate Release
COLUMBUS — Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber issued the following statement on the death of Ohio Sen. Kirk Schuring.
For Immediate Release
For Immediate Release
Columbus – Auditor of State Keith Faber’s Office released an audit of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) focused on fraud in Ohio’s unemployment system. Auditors noted changes to the federal requirements and a lack of controls led to vulnerabilities in the system allowing for over $475 million to be paid to criminals while another $3.3 billion in overpayments were made.
Qualified Opinion Included in State of Ohio Audit
Columbus – Auditor of State Keith Faber’s office announced former Village of South Bloomfield Clerk Kelly Neal was sentenced to 16 months in prison after committing theft in office totaling $13,970 and tampering with records.
Auditor Faber today announced the launch of a COVID-19 fiscal relief resources page on the Auditor’s website.
Based on a motion filed by a special prosecutor from Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber’s office, a special commission appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court determined today to suspend David W. Smith from his office as Mayor of the Village of Bridgeport.
In an abundance of caution regarding COVID-19, Auditor of State Keith Faber announced today that effective Tuesday, March 17, the office will utilize the work from home option for most of its 800 employees.
Auditor of State Keith Faber today released a video to remind public officials that most local governments and public school districts may not use tax dollars to support or oppose levy or bond issues on the ballot.
Based on an investigation by Auditor of State Keith Faber’s Special Investigations Unit, former Village of DeGraff (Logan County) Utility Clerk Jennifer Dearwester was indicted on one count of Theft in Office (F3), one count of Aggravated Theft (F3), and three counts of Tampering with Records (F3).
Based on an investigation by Auditor of State Keith Faber’s Special Investigations Unit, a former Secretary for Delaware City School District, Kim Todd, was charged today with two counts of Theft in Office.
Village of Bridgeport (Belmont County) Mayor, David W. Smith, was indicted last week on one count of Tampering with Records (F3), one count of Theft in Office (F3), and two counts of Conflict of Interest (M1).
Last week the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation that allows the Ohio Auditor of State’s office to conduct performance audits of state institutions of high education at the discretion of Auditor of State, Keith Faber.
In compliance with their statutory obligation, the Auditor of State and JobsOhio today posted the compliance and control audit of JobsOhio.
Auditor of State Keith Faber hosted a press conference with Ohio News Media Association Executive Director Monica Nieporte and announced a new approach to reporting public records and compliance with Ohio’s Sunshine Laws through a Star Rating System (StaRS).
Auditor of State Keith Faber announced his office is accepting proposals for a performance audit of the Auditor of State’s office.
The Auditor of State’s office announced a public meeting to discuss a feasibility study conducted by the Ohio Performance Team on shared services between Liberty, Matthews, and Brookfield School Districts.
The following is a statement that may be attributed to Allison Dumski, Spokesperson for Auditor of State Keith Faber’s Office:
Recent tornados and storms rolled through Ohio including Auditor Faber's hometown of Celina.
Recent tornados and storms rolled through Ohio including Auditor Faber's hometown of Celina.
Today Auditor of State Keith Faber released Franklin Township (Richland County) from fiscal caution status.
In response to the press conference by Department of Justice Southern District of Ohio, Auditor of State Keith Faber issued the following statement
An audit report released today by Auditor of State Keith Faber finds that Townsend Community School, a blended learning school in Erie County, operated out of compliance with Ohio law. The situation illustrates deficiencies in Ohio’s current law controlling how blended learning community schools operate.
Auditor of State Keith Faber has released the 2018 financial audit report on the City of Cincinnati today.
This week, due to the restoration of their financial records, Auditor of State Keith Faber removed the Village of Belmore from the Auditor of State’s “unauditable” list.
Auditor of State Keith Faber released the annual audit of the state’s federal financial assistance programs for FY 2018 today.
In compliance with their statutory obligation, the Auditor of State and JobsOhio posted the compliance and control audit of JobsOhio today.
Due to the restoration of their financial records, the Auditor of State’s office has removed Mecca Township (Trumbull County) from the “unauditable” list after over 22 months.
Securing and protecting evidence is a necessity for the justice system, and a new manual created jointly by the offices of the Ohio Attorney General and the Auditor of State provides the state’s law enforcement agencies with best practices in the management of property and evidence rooms, Attorney General Mike DeWine and Auditor of State Dave Yost announced today.
Auditor of State Dave Yost announced today the review by his staff regarding the fees retained by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to handle the state’s pharmacy management will be released to the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee at its Aug. 16 meeting.
Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost to Release Audit of the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow
Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost will host a press conference on Thursday, May 10, to discuss an audit of the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT).
The office of Auditor of State Dave Yost issued the following statement regarding Franklin County Court Judge Michael J. Holbrook’s request for a subpoena to protect certain information on the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow’s equipment.
Former Cleveland City Councilman Facing 26 Charges After Ethics Investigation
Former Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman is facing 26 charges of unlawful interest in a public contract following an investigation by the Ohio Ethics Commission.
At Auditor Yost’s direction, the office began evaluating how compliance testing with NICS could be conducted in mid-December.
Fleet Maintenance Shared Services Feasibility Study Planned Scope of Work
In accordance with Ohio Rev. Code Sect. 117.473, a public meeting and hearing have been scheduled for the Fleet Maintenance Shared Services Feasibility Study Planned Scope of Work as follows.
In response to today’s unanimous vote by the Columbus City Schools Board of Education to restart its process for selecting a new superintendent, Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost issued the following statement.
The former fiscal officer for York Township (Belmont County) and its Water Authority has been indicted on 27 counts involving theft in office and related charges in connection with paying her mother Irma Shreffler, and one other person with money they had not earned. Dawn Lee’s mother and another person also were indicted by the Belmont County grand jury on 10 additional counts.
State auditors issued 321 public records-related citations to 267 public entities in calendar year 2017 – a 22 percent drop in citations from the prior year, Auditor of State Dave Yost announced today as part of Sunshine Week, a nationwide initiative designed to raise awareness of the importance of open government and public records.
The annual review of the state’s federal financial assistance programs for FY 2017 was released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.
The Auditor of State’s office received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2017 fiscal year-end Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
The following statement may be attributed to Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding legislation sponsored by Sen. Bill Coley, R-Cincinnati, on oversight of the state’s medical marijuana program.
The following is a statement from Auditor Dave Yost regarding the removal from office of Deborah Drawl, Mecca Township (Trumbull County) fiscal officer.
More than ever, cyberthieves are targeting Ohio’s local governments, tax dollars and individuals with great sophistication. Increasingly, those being targeted are taking steps to bolster their online security. Auditor of State Dave Yost wants to help local governments and Ohioans fortify themselves from digital threats and fend off cyberattacks by offering a free, on-demand 90-minute webinar.
Medicaid Effort Part of Auditor Yost’s Culture of Accountability
Compliance examinations to verify whether Medicaid providers have sufficient documentation to support payment have led to repayment demands totaling nearly $10.6 million in 2017, Auditor of State Dave Yost announced today.
The fiscal year 2017 compliance and control engagement of JobsOhio has been completed by Deloitte & Touche LLP. As part of the agreement signed between the Auditor of State’s office and JobsOhio, the report is now available to the public via the Auditor of State’s website.
Auditor of State Dave Yost today called on the Commerce Department to suspend the issuance of Level 1 cultivator's licenses for medical marijuana following media reports that one of the application graders was a convicted drug dealer.
Former Mt. Sterling Mayor Charles Neff was sentenced this morning to 30 days in jail, three years of probation and ordered to pay nearly $10,000 restitution for his role in approving improper leave payouts in the Madison County Village.
Because many local governments are at risk of theft and other misuse of government credit and debit cards, Auditor of State Dave Yost today released a “Best Practices” newsletter to show local government officials how to prevent this rip-off of taxpayers.
Payroll fraud is a perennial problem for local governments, putting tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars at risk, which is why Auditor of State Dave Yost today issued a “Best Practices” newsletter to help local officials reduce this threat.
Auditor Yost issued this statement regarding the passage of House Bill 50 by the Ohio House.
Nearly 2,000 local governments across Ohio will save $1.2 million in computer fees during the next year, Auditor of State Dave Yost said in announcing the fee holiday.
With cyberfraud attacking bigger and more consequential targets, Auditor of State Dave Yost today issued a “Best Practices” newsletter aimed at helping local government leaders protect tax dollars and taxpayer information.
NOTE: Corrected Release
Certain community schools that were overpaid because their student participation could not be verified by the Ohio Department of Education should seek repayment from their sponsors and management companies that were also overcompensated, Auditor of State Dave Yost announced today.
Following a plea from Auditor of State Dave Yost to place a portion of the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow’s (ECOT) funding in escrow, the Ohio Department of Education yesterday reduced by $12.4 million the amount of student funding it will send to the virtual school.
Auditor of State Dave Yost’s statement on the passing of former U.S. Rep. Ralph S. Regula.
The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) notified Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost’s office today that it was complying with Yost’s cease and desist order and had pulled its political advertising aimed at swaying the legislature and Ohio Department of Education.
Auditor of State Dave Yost today requested the assistance of the Attorney General’s office in seeking a legal order prohibiting the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) from using tax dollars to pay for advertising aimed at swaying the legislature and Ohio Department of Education.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor Dave Yost regarding the passage of House Bill 103. The legislation makes numerous changes to the membership of financial planning and supervision commissions, which assist local governments in escaping from fiscal emergency.
Auditor of State Dave Yost has directed auditors to review how the Ohio Department of Education handles disciplinary complaints following an internal review showing more than half of those people identified in a 2012 Columbus City Schools data scrubbing scandal had not been disciplined.
Forged Checks Purport to be from State Auditor’s Account
State and local authorities are investigating the cashing of three forged checks appearing to be from an account controlled by the Auditor of State’s office.
Former Franklin County Board of Elections Director William A. Anthony Jr. today pleaded guilty to a fifth-degree felony count of securing writings by deception.
Efficiency-Boosting Studies are Outgrowth of House Bill 5
Auditor of State Dave Yost today approved the Bellaire Local School District (Belmont County) to receive the first shared services feasibility study conducted by his office.
Auditor of State Dave Yost today issued the following statement regarding the pending release of Owens State Community College from fiscal watch by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Victoria L. Sheets, the former bookkeeper in the Madison County village of Mt. Sterling, pleaded guilty today to falsification for assisting a village administrator to obtain his pension benefits early.
With cyberattacks on governments increasing, Auditor Dave Yost today announced a series of training seminars to help local government leaders in Ohio combat cyberattacks. Already, more than 560 local officials have registered for the free training.
Former Mt. Sterling Village Administrator Joseph A. Johnson today was sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing from his Madison County community. Johnson was indicted in July on 30 counts stemming from his misuse of village credit cards to purchase vehicles, automotive equipment and other miscellaneous items.
Former Fairfield County Treasurer’s Office employee Christina Fox pleaded guilty this morning to first-degree misdemeanor counts of attempted theft in office and receiving improper compensation.
Auditor of State Dave Yost issued the following statement regarding the Thomas B. Fordham Institute’s new report on the implementation of Ohio charter school reforms.
The fiscal year 2016 compliance and control engagement of JobsOhio has been completed by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
Lancaster Mayor Brian S. Kuhn today agreed to have his license as a certified public accountant revoked and plead guilty to two counts of attempted failure to file state tax returns for the years 2013 and 2014.
Despite his enormous achievements, Sen. Glenn remained humble
Auditor Dave Yost issued the following statement following the passing of former U.S. Senator and astronaut John Glenn, who died today at the age of 95.
Open enrollment can boost a school district’s revenue if managed carefully but may result in a financial loss if associated costs and policy decisions are overlooked, Auditor Yost said in a special report released today.
A Columbus woman who took $88,750 earmarked to start a charter school in Powell was sentenced to three years in prison today by Delaware County Common Pleas Court Judge Everett H. Krueger.
The following statement can be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding the indictment of former Niles Mayor Ralph A. Infante, who was indicted on 56 counts today:
A former director of the Pickaway County Veterans Service office was sentenced to three years in prison today and ordered to pay more than $19,200 in restitution for stealing thousands of dollars and a historical heirloom Nazi flag.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the complaint referred to his office from Amsterdam & Partners regarding Horizon Science Academies.
Auditor of State Dave Yost spoke to the Columbus Metropolitan Club today, continuing an open dialogue on proposed learning-based funding for Ohio’s electronic schools.
Online Reporting System Leverages Technology to Streamline and Simplify Local Government Transparency
Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel and Ohio Auditor Dave Yost announced today the partnership between OhioCheckbook.com and the Auditor’s Uniform Accounting Network (UAN). Local governments utilizing UAN can now, through the website UANlink.OhioAuditor.gov, submit their year-end financial reports to the Auditor and choose to have UAN transmit their checkbook level spending to the OhioCheckbook.com in a quick, easy and convenient process.
Auditor Dave Yost today called on the General Assembly to review how community schools using electronic learning are funded, suggesting reforms based on how much a child learns should play a key role in determining how a virtual school is paid.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the indictment of former Mt. Sterling Village Administrator Joseph A. Johnson by the Madison County grand jury.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the indictment of Hillsboro Mayor W. Drew Hastings by the Highland County grand jury:
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the indictments of Franklin County Board of Elections Director William A. Anthony Jr. and former Fiscal Officer Brenna Umbstaetter.
Ohio Auditor Dave Yost today told Congress that he does not believe fraud is rampant in Ohio’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but said it does exist and is “significant” given that $2.5 billion in food stamp benefits are issued to Ohioans each year.
An audit of Ohio’s $2.5 billion Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has found system weaknesses which allow for benefits of the dead to be claimed, accounts to build excessive balances, questionable out-of-state transactions and other instances of potential fraud.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the passing of John F. Wolfe.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the Ohio House of Representatives’ passage of House Bill 5.
Nearly 700 People Attend First Day of Two-Day Conference
When Janice D’Alessandro worked on her first statewide Fraud Conference in 2002, about 115 people attended the training program offered through the state Auditor’s office.
Auditor of State Dave Yost will host Ohio’s first statewide Charter School Summit this summer to provide school educators and administrators with financial, professional and academic training.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding today’s Ohio Supreme Court ruling on White v. King.
Commending him for his “bold recommendations” to improve the governance over Ohio’s charter schools, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools today named Ohio Auditor Dave Yost as one of its 10 “charter school champions.”
After a careful review of the Village of Lincoln Heights’ (Hamilton County) financial circumstances, we have determined the village does not meet the standards required by law to be placed in a fiscal distress status.
The fiscal year 2015 compliance and control engagement of JobsOhio has been completed by the KPMG LLP auditing firm. As part of the agreement signed between the Auditor of State’s office and JobsOhio, the report is now available to the public via the Auditor of State’s website.
The Auditor of State’s office received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2015.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the sentencing of former Preble County Historical Society Executive Director Mellanie “Jane” Lightner.
Auditor of State Dave Yost announced today that former Columbus Dispatch Editor Ben Marrison will be joining the Auditor of State’s office as Communications Director for the Public Affairs Department.
The Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) voted unanimously today to pass a resolution in support of House Bill 384.
Auditor of State Dave Yost presented Taxpayer Hero Awards to three communities on Monday in recognition of their successful collaboration at the Southwest Summit Communications Center.
Auditor of State Dave Yost announced today the launch of a special audit of the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) of Greater Cincinnati. The special audit comes at the request of Hamilton County and Cincinnati officials in light of recent concerns about MSD’s competitive bidding, contracts and payments. The Auditor of State’s Special Audit Task Force met today to review the information and determined a special audit is appropriate.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the Ohio House’s passage of House Bill 384.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the Ohio Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 60 - legislation to rename a portion of I-670 the Dana G. "Buck" Rinehart Memorial Highway.
Auditor of State Dave Yost today received the President’s Partnering for Quality Award at the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities’ annual membership luncheon.
Support is growing for House Bill 384 to expand performance audits to Ohio’s public colleges and universities. Key testimony provided today to the House Government Accountability and Oversight Committee highlighted the merits of the legislation. Those providing testimony included nationally-known economist Dr. Richard Vedder and Greg Lawson of The Buckeye Institute. The bill passed out of the committee on a unanimous vote.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the sentencing of former Perrysburg Exempted Village School District employee Eric Whitson.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost in response to former Perrysburg Exempted Village School District employee Eric Whitson’s guilty plea today.
As promised in September, Auditor of State Dave Yost conducted an attendance count today at 10 traditional public schools and 45 charter schools statewide.
Proposed Legislation Grants Auditor of State Authority to Conduct Performance Audits of Institutions of Higher Learning
Auditor of State Dave Yost partnered with members of the Ohio General Assembly to draft House Bill 384, which gives the Auditor of State’s office the authority to conduct performance audits of Ohio’s institutions of higher education. Representatives Tim Schaffer and Mike Duffey today introduced the legislation in the Ohio House of Representatives.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost in support of the General Assembly's expected passage of Sub. H.B. No. 2 to reform Ohio's charter school system.
An Auditor of State partnership with the Preble County Prosecutor and Sheriff led to the indictment of former Preble County Historical Society Executive Director Mellanie “Jane” Lightner.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the sentencing of former Columbus City Schools Administrator Michael Dodds.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s announcement of an investigation into Ohio’s non-profit abortion clinics.
Auditor Yost Weighs in with GOVERNING magazine
Auditor of State Dave Yost weighed in on the importance of data quality in government in this month’s GOVERNING magazine.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost in response to former Columbus City Schools administrator Michael Dodds’ plea today of “no contest” to three felony charges.
Auditor of State Dave Yost sent a letter today to the Senate Rules and Reference Committee in support of House Joint Resolution 4, which seeks to bar individuals from writing special interests into the Ohio Constitution.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding the proposed constitutional amendment introduced today in the Ohio House.
Auditor of State Dave Yost today took the fight against public corruption to the next level with the announcement of the new Public Integrity Assurance Team – a single source of expertise for investigating fraud in government.
Auditor of State Dave Yost’s office received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2014.
House Bill 5 Passage
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding the passage of House Bill 5.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding today’s omnibus amendment to Substitute House Bill 64.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning Mahoning County’s pledge to post its spending on OhioCheckbook.com.
Auditor of State Dave Yost’s office has received the highest possible rating from a peer review conducted by the National State Auditors Association (NSAA).
The following statement made by Auditor of State Dave Yost is regarding the passage of Ohio House Bill 2.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the sentencing of former Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly.
Long, expensive legal battles can be prevented through the new “Sunshine Audit” announced today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.
The 2014 State of Ohio Single Audit identified a 96 percent drop in the state’s federal questioned costs from the previous year, according to a report released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.
A charter school received more than $88,000, but its doors never opened, according to the 2014 State of Ohio Single Audit report released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.
An unannounced, statewide head count of community school attendance found as few as zero students in one school, according to a report released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.
Concerning the sentencing of former Columbus City Schools Superintendent Gene Harris
Auditor of State Dave Yost's statement concerning the sentencing of former Columbus City Schools Superintendent Gene Harris.
The fiscal year 2013 compliance and control engagement of JobsOhio has been completed by the KPMG LLP auditing firm and is available on the Auditor of State's website.
Auditor of State Dave Yost made a statement concerning the Ohio General Assembly’s passage of bipartisan redistricting reform legislation.
Regarding a Fordham Institute Report on Ohio's Charter School Sector
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the Fordham Institute’s report released today.
Auditor of State Dave Yost made the following statement regarding the sentencing of former Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy Superintendent Lisa Hamm.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding the guilty plea entered today by former Marion-Franklin High School assistant principal Stanley Pyle.
Regarding the indictment of former Pike County employee Darla Smith
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding today’s indictment of former Pike County employee Darla Smith.
Regarding the sentencing of David Smalley
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding today’s sentencing of David Smalley.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding today’s sentencing of former Fairfield County Clerk of Courts Deborah Smalley.
Guilty plea entered today by David Smalley
Auditor of State Dave Yost makes the following statement regarding the guilty plea entered today by David Smalley.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding the sentencing of former South-Western City Schools Accounts-Payable Manager, Trixie Belew.
Auditor of State Dave Yost's statement regarding the guilty plea entered today by former Fairfield County Clerk of Court, Deborah Smalley.
The following statement is regarding the negotiated plea by former Columbus City Schools employee Steve Tankovich.
Auditor of State Dave Yost issued a statement regarding the guilty plea entered by former Brown County Deputy Clerk of Courts Heather Tapp.
The Auditor of State’s 2012 special audit of Cuyahoga Heights Local School District has received an Excellence in Accountability Award by the National State Auditors Association (NSAA).
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding the untimely passing of Representative Terry Blair.
Auditor of State Dave Yost today launched a website that will, at no cost to local governments, help communities share equipment to save taxpayer dollars.
Auditor of State Dave Yost’s Ohio Stops Fraud mobile application is now available for Android users.
Auditor of State Dave Yost reviewed public records policies and procedures of 48 government entities, giving recommendations to 19 for improvements.
The following statement is regarding the unexpected resignation of Hamilton Township Fiscal Officer Jackie Terwilleger.
Auditor of State Dave Yost recognized two individuals with the Taxpayer Hero Award today at the Local Government Officials Conference (LGOC).
Today’s indictment of Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly is the result, in part, from audit findings from 2011 and 2012 by Auditor of State Dave Yost that Mr. Kelly had improperly paid for personal clothing, meals and party supplies using public funds.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the Columbus City School District’s movement to terminate four principals.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the indictments of former Fairfield County Clerk of Courts Deborah Smalley and husband David Smalley.
Auditor of State Dave Yost today announced that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be the next state agency to undergo a performance audit as required by Ohio law.
Auditor of State Dave Yost unveiled today Ohio Stops Fraud – a new iPhone app to report suspected fraud in public offices across the state.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the resignation of Fairfield County Clerk of Courts Deborah Smalley
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the resignation of Fairfield County Clerk of Courts Deborah Smalley
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding this morning’s conviction of former Henry County Commissioner Richard Myers.
State Auditor Introduces Lower Cost Option
The Village of Belle Valley (Noble County) saved 90 percent of its traditional audit costs in its first “basic audit,” a new procedure introduced last year by Auditor of State Dave Yost.
State Auditor Introduces Lower Cost Option
The Spring Valley Park District (Greene County) saved 77 percent of its traditional audit costs in its first “basic audit."
Auditor of State Dave Yost issues a statement regarding a subpoena to JobsOhio for records.
Sunshine law compliance throughout Ohio will be examined this week at 20 representative counties and cities, Auditor of State Dave Yost announced today. The work fulfills a promise made during Sunshine Week in 2011 to audit public records compliance during the 2012 audit cycle.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost: "The Governor and I have the same goal:..."
The Beaver Union Cemetery (Pike County) saved $2,900, more than 85% of its prior audit costs, through the use of a new “basic audit” procedure.
Auditor of State Dave Yost released a statement regarding the Ohio Department of Education’s actions following the release of the statewide audit of student attendance data.
The Auditor of State’s office final report on the statewide school attendance audit will be released February 11.
Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Robert Cupp will bring his vast legal expertise to the Auditor of State’s office to serve as Chief Legal Counsel to Auditor of State Dave Yost and staff.
With a new year quickly approaching, the Auditor of State's Office marks the end of 2012, as well as the first half of Auditor Dave Yost’s term as State Auditor.
Auditor of State Dave Yost issues a statement regarding the announcement that state Board of Regents Chancellor Jim Petro is retiring February 1, 2013.
Auditor of State Dave Yost issued a statement regarding the Ohio Supreme Court ruling that the state apportionment board’s redrawing of state legislative boundaries is constitutional.
A statement from Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding the sentencing today in the Belmont County Court of Common Pleas of former Bellaire water clerk Lisa Flaherty.
The Office of Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost received a clean audit opinion for fiscal year 2012 and earned a Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association for the office’s fiscal year 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Auditor of State Dave Yost issued a statement regarding the City of Akron Financial Audit report released today.
Auditor of State Dave Yost issues the following statement regarding the state Board of Education’s support of his recommendation that the General Assembly change state law to give the Ohio Department of Education access to student names.
Villages, Townships, Special Governments Eligible Could Cut Audit Costs in Half
Auditor of State Dave Yost today adopted new audit policies that could save one in four Ohio governments as much as half of their traditional full audit costs.
Chief Deputy Auditor Bob Hinkle today was sworn in as the president of the Ohio Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
Audit Cites Need for Formal Policies and Procedures
The State of Ohio has too many planes, fragmented accounting for their costs and nonexistent standards governing their use, according to an audit of ODOT’s Office of Aviation released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding the decision to put $235 million of surplus state funds into the “Rainy Day Fund.”
Auditor of State Dave Yost recently swore in Andrew Bodzak as the new investigator in the Special Investigations Unit for the Youngstown and Akron-Canton areas.
The following statement can be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost in response to Gov. Kasich’s signing today of H.B. 326, which creates a misdemeanor penalty for violations of existing law prohibiting the use of public funds to support or oppose a levy or bond issue.
An online database of fraud complaints against public offices goes live today, according to Auditor of State Dave Yost.
Auditor of State Dave Yost announced today the City of Elyria will receive LEAP funding for a performance audit, which will help streamline operations and identify potential savings for the city’s taxpayers.
Results Reported for Sunshine Week
Only 60 percent of Ohio cities responded promptly to a recent request for public records by the Auditor of State’s office.
After being placed on the “unauditable” list in January, the Toledo Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) submitted the necessary documentation to allow the audit to move toward completion.
“This is a major step in the right direction,” Auditor of State Dave Yost said. “The tough decisions being made by the Jackson County Combined General Health District will benefit the county’s taxpayers for years to come.”
The following statement can be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost in response to today’s action by the General Assembly on H.B. 66.
Offers Recommendations to ODJFS
The State of Ohio reissued nearly 340,000 food stamp EBT cards in 2011 – and 17,000 recipients received 10 or more reissued cards, according to an evaluation of the program by Auditor of State Dave Yost.
More than $142,000 in Findings Against Provider Since August
An audit of Lincare, Inc., a national Medicaid provider specializing in durable medical equipment, including oxygen equipment, included more than $74,500 in findings.
The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost in response to yesterday’s sentencing of Ann Johns, former Defiance County Deputy Clerk of Common Pleas Court.
Resources to Help Local Governments Cope with Dwindling Dollars
“It’s one thing to say governments ought to share services,” Auditor Yost said. “It’s another thing to give them the tools they need to do it.”
“Each year, my office releases audits of approximately 4,000 Ohio governments, and just as those governments must be examined, so must the Auditor of State’s office,” Yost said. “Independence and accountability are essential companions to government services, and I thank the independent auditors for their work.”
“This is not a small matter. A government that can use our own money to influence our votes is no longer our servant, but our master,” Auditor Yost said. “I am thankful to Rep. McClain, Rep. Hill and Chairman Slaby for their quick action on this important legislation.”
“Taxpayer money and politics do not mix,” Auditor Yost said. “Government managers who can’t tell the difference deserve a season pass to their local jail.
In response to a letter dated Aug 31, 2011 sent by six Democrat members of the Ohio House of Representatives to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Auditor of State Dave Yost issued the following statement:
Introduces the Ohio Performance Team and Petro Fellows
The process of “skinnying down” Ohio government has begun with Auditor of State Dave Yost announcing today the formation of a new team of “Change Champions” charged with the task of conducting state agency performance audits.
“I am thrilled to announce the first recipients of LEAP funds,” Auditor Yost said. “Performance audits can help lay the foundation for “skinny” government, and the LEAP Fund provides access to the entities that need one most. My office is looking forward to getting down to business and searching for savings for each of these six entities.”
“I applaud Governor Kasich and members of the General Assembly for doing what some said couldn’t be done – they fixed the state budget, without raising taxes,” Auditor Yost said. “I am especially pleased that the legislation includes my proposals to break down barriers for local communities looking to come together to address their fiscal woes. It is time for a new way of doing business in Ohio.”
“Sometimes you have to get to the negotiation table and arm wrestle,” Auditor Yost said. “I’m happy to see the taxpayers win one.”
State Treasurer of Ohio Josh Mandel and Auditor of State Dave Yost today sent a letter to Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus and Ohio House Speaker Bill Batchelder encouraging the legislature to use any new revenues to replenish Ohio’s rainy day fund.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency to Join Education, Jobs and Family Services and Transportation in First Round of Reviews
The following may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the sentencing of former Village of Alger fiscal officer Jackie Prine.
“Today’s sentence makes it clear – if you steal from the public, there will be serious consequences,” Auditor of State Dave Yost said. “I commend Judge Hart for standing up for the people of Alger and ensuring their tax dollars are returned.”
The Findlay home of a regional auditor for the Auditor of State’s Office was burglarized according to a police report received by the Auditor of State’s Office on May 10, 2011. Among the items stolen from the home was a state laptop computer containing limited information acquired during audits.
Online Idea Clearinghouse for Local Governments Seeking Efficiency
Auditor of State Dave Yost unveiled today the new SkinnyOhio.org website - an online clearinghouse of strategies devoted to smarter, streamlined government.
House Bill 66 requires the Auditor of State to establish a reporting system so Ohioans may anonymously report fraud, waste and misuse of taxpayer dollars.
The following may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding the sentencing of former Village of Ripley Utility Clerk Kathy Lang.
The following may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding the passage of Senate Bill 4 and House Bill 2.