Audit reveals Lithopolis Mayor Sandine owes $50,000 to village general fund

LITHOPOLIS — The Ohio State Auditor’s office announced Tuesday Lithopolis Mayor Eric Sandine owes approximately $50,000 following an audit into the 2017-2018 fiscal year.

In a media release, the auditor’s office said Sandine revised village policies and procedures during his original stint as Lithopolis mayor between 2009 and 2014. The adjustments included removing limitations on vacation leave, sick leave, and compensatory time, and allowed for compensatory time payout upon separation.

Officials pointed out in the release that Sandine was paid in excess of the amount authorized by Ordinance 16-07 of the Village code between 2014 and 2016, based on W-2 forms. In those three years, Sandine was paid $28,380 in excess compensation, with $16,830 coming in 2015 alone.

“Our audit found that Mayor Sandine repeatedly accepted compensation which he was not legally entitled to receive,” said State Auditor Keith Faber. “This money belongs to the residents of Lithopolis and should be repaid.”

Read more: https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200723/audit-reveals-lithopolis-mayor-sandine-owes-50000-to-village-general-fund