Union Twp. in Pike Co. declared “unauditable” by state

PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — The Auditor of State’s Office has declared Union Township “unauditable” for the period from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, due to insufficient financial statements and records, according to a letter sent to Fiscal Officer Jessica White and Union Township Board of Trustees President William Dennis Tomlison.

The letter highlighted that the annual financial reports for the years ending December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2023, were not filed by the previous fiscal officer before her departure. Moreover, the township’s financial activities for those years were not entered into the accounting system, and the required transition of records to White was not completed when she assumed her role on April 1, 2024.

Efforts to gather necessary documentation included communications initiated by the Auditor of State’s Office on November 19, 2024, and a subsequent meeting with White on December 19, 2024, where it was determined that the records provided were inadequate for conducting an audit.

Union Township has been given 90 days from the date of the letter to rectify its financial records. Failure to do so could lead to legal repercussions under Ohio Revised Code Section 117.42, potentially involving subpoenas for White and Tomlison to explain the lack of auditable records, and possible legal action by the Attorney General to enforce the preparation or production of necessary audit materials.

For assistance, the township can reach out to the Auditor of State’s Local Government Services or hire an independent accounting firm. However, delays or scheduling conflicts will not be accepted as reasons for extending the 90-day compliance period.