Fed audits questions spending by Ohio agency

COLUMBUS (AP) — A federal audit is questioning more than $5 million in spending by an agency that administers Head Start services in nine Ohio counties.

The Dayton Daily News reports today that federal auditors called into question spending by the Council on Rural Services Programs Inc., a nonprofit agency that provides Head Start services in western Ohio.

Janet Julian, chairwoman of the Council on Rural Services board, said the agency disputes the auditors’ findings and is appealing.

The auditors said the agency should pay back $65,750 spent on store gift cards given to employees as holiday gifts, and more than $944,000 in questionable lease payments.

Auditors also said the agency should refund $4.29 million in inadequately supported compensation, or work with federal officials to determine what costs were permitted.