COLUMBUS – Incomplete records have prompted Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost to place Hamilton Township on the “unauditable” list.

“Poorly kept books create a lack of accountability,” Yost said in a press release. “Hamilton Township must bring its records back to an auditable condition to complete the audit.”

During the course of Hamilton Township’s regular financial audit for the period Jan. 1, 2012, through Dec. 31, 2013, it was determined the condition of the township’s financial records were not adequate to complete the audit, according to the release. In a letter to the township, the auditor’s office provided a list of records required to complete the audit.

Within 90 days of the date of the letter, the township must revise its financial records and provide the necessary data. Failure to bring records to an auditable condition may result in legal action, including the possibility of the Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine issuing a subpoena to township officials to explain the condition of records. The attorney general may also file suit to compel the officials to prepare or produce the required information.

The Local Government Section (LGS) of Yost’s office is available to township officials to assist in bringing records to an auditable condition. LGS provides a wide variety of services to local governments, including reconstructing financial records and aid in the reconciliation of books.

An entity is removed from the “unauditable” list once the audit is completed and released to the public.

Attempts made to contact the Hamilton Township officials were unsuccessful.