Greene County -

Auditor of State Mary Taylor released the audit of Beavercreek Township for fiscal years 2004 and 2005 today. The audit reveals more than $30,000 in salary overpayments made to four fire department chiefs and identifies several accounting deficiencies.

“It is critical that public entities properly and accurately document each and every tax dollar collected and spent,” Taylor said. “The failure to do so increases the potential of fraud and misspending.”

Three battalion chiefs and one deputy chief working for the township fire department were overpaid a combined total of $31,494.53. The salary overpayments occurred from 2003 through 2006 and were miscalculated by the township’s fiscal officers. Three of the chiefs have repaid the amounts, while one chief has signed an agreement stating his intent to repay the township.

The audit notes additional accounting deficiencies including:

• Missing or incomplete financial statements
• Inaccurate account balances
• Missing or incomplete employee timesheet documents

The Ohio Auditor of State’s Office is one of the largest accounting offices in the nation.  The office strives to ensure that all public funds are spent legally and appropriately and works aggressively to root out fraud, waste and abuse in public spending. Taylor encourages anyone suspecting fraud or misspending of public dollars to contact her office toll free at 1-866-FRAUD-OH (1-866-372-8364).

A full copy of the audit is available online at www.auditor.state.oh.us.