Vienna Township residents disappointed investigative audit will take over one year
VIENNA TWP., Ohio - People who packed a Vienna Trustee meeting expecting to find out results of what happened to $1.3 million in tax and township funds were disappointed to find their wait will be much longer.
But steps are being taken by trustees to help move the township forward.
In a unanimous vote, Vienna Trustees chose to limit an Ohio state audit to one year, 2023, so the state can finish its audit.
After the money is added up and outstanding bills calculated, the state can determine if Vienna Township meets the criteria for Fiscal Emergency.
That declaration would help move the township forward as it deals with a major financial shortfall.
"When that happens, a board will be formed and it will be determined how we'll make payments on those outstanding bills," said Township Trustee Phil Pegg.
Folks packed the township meeting believing audit findings would be released letting them know what happened to about 1.3 million tax and township dollars.
But that wasn't the case and residents were told their wait for answers will likely be released next year.
They were reassured the Investigative Audit will cover not only 2023 but the first few months of 2024.
"It's considered a criminal investigation right now, so it's going to be ongoing," said Fiscal Officer Corine Hardman.
Trustees are receiving documents showing where the money is spent and bills paid, and audits.
They are not required by law to do this but tell 21 News they have implemented processes to make sure this never happens again in Vienna.
The township has plenty of payments to make including into the retirement system for employees or former employees, plus for paving projects and many other unpaid bills.
Speed cameras that could help Vienna Township fill a dig out of that very big financial shortfall are expected to be in place by July with warnings given for the first 30 days.
The collection of citation fines for speeders would begin in August.
The township also has a buyer interested in 14 acres of land behind a school.
This is in the exploratory stages.
