Athens County commissioners approve $1,093.71 in OPERS penalties after debate over responsibility

The Athens County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on March 3 to approve payment of $1,093.71 in late fees and interest tied to a county planner’s missed OPERS reporting, after a round of questions about who should pay and whether public funds could be used.

Auditor Jill Davidson told the board the underlying principal had already been filed and paid but that interest and penalties continued to accrue. She said the auditor’s office rebuilt internal controls after a 2024 staffing turnover and asked the board to approve payment from the planner’s budget to “stop the bleeding.”

Commissioner Charlie Adkins pressed the board about precedent and legality, citing State Auditor guidance that boards should not use taxpayer dollars to cover late fees. “I’m done paying late fees,” Adkins said, arguing the county should seek explicit guidance from the State Auditor before approving such payments in the future.

After discussing possible audit findings and the different options for covering the $1,093.71 — which the auditor’s office broke down as $346.88 for the employee portion (penalty only) and $746.83 in employer penalty and interest — the board moved forward. Commissioner Adkins made the motion to approve; Commissioner Chris Chmiel seconded it. The roll call was Eliason, yea; Chmiel, yea; Adkins, yea.

The board recorded that it would consult directly with state auditors about process and responsibility going forward and said the issue would be revisited if further guidance changes how the county should proceed.

What the vote covered: the payment approved was limited to the identified interest and penalties ($1,093.71). No other payroll changes or personnel discipline were recorded in the meeting minutes, and commissioners emphasized the need for clearer internal controls and documentation to prevent recurrence.