Audit flags unpaid Social Security for Struthers Law Director

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Struthers officials had not responded to a 21 News request for comment. Those comments are now contained in the story.

An audit released on Tuesday by the state of Ohio revealed that the city of Struthers failed to collect Social Security contributions for its law director.

The audit found that John Zomoida, the city's law director, did not have Social Security taxes withheld from his pay from 2022 through March 2024. Ohio law states that elected officials who choose not to participate in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) must contribute to Social Security.

As a result, the audit issued a "finding for recovery" of $5,454.78 against Zomoida and the city of Struthers. This means they are jointly responsible for repaying the money to the city's General Fund.

According to the audit, Zomoida agreed in September 2024 to have extra money withheld from his pay to cover the missed contributions. As of April 18, 2025, $948.90 has been repaid. The city has also made its required payments to the federal government. This matter will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service.

City Auditor Christina Bohl confirmed to 21 News on Monday that the city has paid the Law Director's Social Security, and the city is recouping his share of the cost from his pay.