GIRARD, Ohio - A unique line in the contract for Girard schools' treasurer is coming under question. The contract allows him to keep a portion of any grant money he brings in.

For at least the next five years, with this new contract, Mark Bello would receive 2.5% from every state or federal grant the district receives.

Girard City School Board President Diane Alejars said "the raise is an incentive for continuing that work," without having to go to the taxpayers for additional money.

Board member Vince Ragozine said this will help save the district money, since they would not need to hire a separate grant writer.

However, there is one potential problem: the school board never received approval from the state and this method may not be allowed.

Mark Kovac with the state auditors office said the legality of using grant money to pay school treasurers is currently "under review as part of an ongoing audit."

State law prohibits Kovac from commenting on ongoing audits, so he could not say what district is currently being looked at for paying its treasurer this way.

Bello's contract does have a provision that would cancel any part that's deemed to be against the law, but that will not be determined until the auditors office completes their examination.

Bello says their intentions were not to violate the law and the board will "make it right" if they are told they have to.

Bello's new contract doesn't take effect until mid-summer.