Ohio State Auditor Claws Back $25,125.62 In Health Insurance Payments from Spencer Officials

 
Update!!: Mr. Anderson has responded to the Bee and gave us some additional context. Here was the conversation.
 
  
   Former Spencer Twp Trustee John Dean Anderson was elected with a term beginning January 1, 2020. On January 2, 2020, Trustees Hood and Anderson voted to offer a 100% Taxpayer funded health benefit program to elected officials and their dependents. The Auditor found "In accordance with the foregoing facts and pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code ยง 117.24, a Finding for Recovery for public monies illegally expended is hereby issued against former Trustee John Dean Anderson, and his bonding company, Ohio Township Association Risk Management Authority, and Dawn McDonald, Fiscal Officer, and her bonding company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, jointly and severely, in the amount of $25,125.62, and in favor of Spencer Township's General Fund."
  Anderson had been quoted by The Blade in an article dated December 20", 2022. When asked about the finding. Mr. Anderson , "I do not need the township's money," he said. "I don't need to steal money from the township." Spencer Township Trustees Hood, Kester and Havens responded to the State Auditor's findings declaring the Trustees, "strongly contests and disagrees with Finding Number 2023-008, which is a finding for recovery in the amount of $25,125.62 issued against former Trustee John Dean Anderson, Fiscal Officer Dawn McDonald" Township Officers continued their protest claiming "This finding is unjust" The State Auditor responded to the current Twp Officers protest stating, "Ohio Const., Art. II, Section 20, shall fix the term of office and the compensation of all offices but no change therein shall affect the salary of any officer during his existing term, unless the office be abolished. Accepting Township health insurance after Trustee term began qualifies as in-term compensation increase which is unallowable."