Special Audit: Former fiscal officer lived on 'Public Dime'

From personal bills to home renovation to a Cedar Point trip, the former fiscal officer of Franklin Township (Richland County) financed her lifestyle on the public dime at a cost of nearly $136,000, according to a special audit released this week by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

“This kind of abuse can only come from the most callous of individuals,” Auditor Yost said. “I doubt trips to amusement parks were worth the legal rollercoaster ride she’ll now be taking.”

In May 2013, Franklin Township contacted the Auditor of State’s office to report questionable expenditures made by former fiscal officer Cynthia Carroll. After a preliminary review, a special audit was initiated on May 21, 2013 and covered the period January 1, 2011 – April 30, 2013.

During the audit period, Carroll overpaid herself by $39,977. Part of the overpayment, $16,015, has been repaid. Carroll also wrote herself 20 checks for reimbursements unrelated to township operations, totaling $27,610.

Other special audit findings show that Carroll:

• Used township debit and credit cards for personal use ($37,359);

• Paid her storage, telephone, electric and cable bills with township funds ($10,411);

• Paid her own company, NVDA Properties, LLC, to renovate her personal residence ($9,305);

• Did not deposit revenues from fundraisers, soda machines and zoning fees ($5,407);

• Charged the township’s Verizon Wireless account for her family’s phones ($4,459); and

• Did not cancel a former employee’s phone service, causing unnecessary charges ($1,272).

After crediting repayments, findings for recovery totaling $119,785 have been issued against Carroll. This matter has been referred to the Richland County Prosecutor.