Tuesday, April 26, 2016
COLUMBUS — The Cardinal Joint Fire District overpaid its chief $16,360 over a three-year period, according to an audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.
During a review of payroll records, auditors discovered that Chief Donald Hutchison was compensated 26 pays, but each pay was calculated using the 24-pay amount. This resulted in overpayments of $4,977, $5,608 and $5,775 in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
“These overpayments should have set off a fiscal fire alarm for the district’s payroll personnel,” Yost said in a news release. “But I’m pleased to see Chief Hutchison is working toward a full repayment of the funds.”
A finding for recovery in the amount of $16,360 was issued against Hutchison in favor of the district’s general fund. He entered into a repayment plan with the district that withholds $150 from each pay for a total of 110 pay periods. As of April 22, Hutchison has repaid a total of $4,200.