MARION—The State of Ohio Auditor’s Office paid its annual visit to Marion, and Mayor Scott Schertzer wants a full investigation of City Auditor Robert Landon. Landon did not attend the meeting because he recently tested positive for COVID. Deputy Auditor Marden Watts was in the meeting.

The problem is no investigation can begin until the 2020 books are balanced. The deadline to balance the books is September 30th. The Auditor has already received two extensions, and a possible third request is likely.

The problems began when Landon mistakenly paid 1.28 million dollars to the State of Ohio that should’ve been paid to the IRS. While the state has agreed to return the money, penalties are adding up, and future federal monies are in jeopardy.

According to Mayor Schertzer, unbalanced books affect the city’s ability to receive federal funds that assist with police and fire services, public transit, and storm and sewage projects.

Marion is currently waiting to receive the second half of a 1.7 million dollar payment from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) next year. Unbalanced books could impact or reduce that payment.

Looking ahead to the years 2022 and 2023, Landon’s mistake could cost the city nearly 2.5 million dollars in federal monies. IRS penalties (which are currently being appealed) could be as high as $120-$150,000.00.

In a recent interview with a local radio station in Marion, Schertzer radio host Scott Spears, he believes Landon is using the extensions as a stall tactic.

“We’re almost done with the eighth month of 2021, and you still don’t have the book reconciled from last year?” Schertzer said.

Crawford County Now reached out to Marion City Council President Ayers Ratliff, who issued the following statement:

“Our Auditor has proven time and time again that he is unable to complete the tasks required to be the Marion City auditor. He was not honest with the voters when he told them he could do the job. He continues to place millions of taxpayer dollars at risk. The city cannot continue with inadequate books. I have been trying to sound the alarms for months, and I hope that those on Council who have defended him and complimented him now see that we will continue to have catastrophic outcomes with Robert Landon involved.”

Crawford County Now will continue to follow this breaking news story.