WARREN Auditors note unnecessary fees, other shortcomings to trustees

Township officials were not paid enough, state audit finds.
WARREN -- Warren Township paid $600 in late fees in 2001 and 2002 because gas, electric and water bills were not paid on time.
The unnecessary expense was noted by state auditors and has been discussed with township trustees as part of the audit process.
"We have big bills at the township," Trustee Kay Anderson said. "It is not like at a home, when you make a late payment, it is $3 or $4."
The township pays 10 separate electric bills a month, including those for streetlights and township buildings, said clerk Debra D'Orio.
Since the late fees were noted by auditors, the township has been working to get all the bills on the same cycle, D'Orio said.
A letter sent to trustees points out other shortcomings, including:
U In 2002, the trustees and clerk were not paid as much as they should have been, according to state law. Checks have been issued for $901 to each of the trustees, and for $1,238 to the clerk.
U Minutes were not as detailed as required, the state auditor said. Officials say more detailed minutes are now being kept.
U The township did not have a contract for services with a independent contractor who helps with office work for a few hours a week at $10 an hour. Trustees plan to hire the woman as a township employee at the next meeting, Anderson said.