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Tuscarawas County officials are asking the Ohio state auditor to review overtime related bonuses approved by the county board of elections late last year.

A letter dated April eighth from County Administrator Kris Lowdermilk raised concerns about $47,500 in onetime bonuses paid to eight elections employees after the office
relocated. Commissioners say the documentation provided was insufficient and that elections officials declined an in-person meeting.

The letter also criticizes the hiring of Jeremiah Johnson as the board’s IT director, calling him an insurability risk. Johnson was previously a member of the elections board, but a misdemeanor tax case related to his Sugarcreek business prevented him from serving another term.

County leaders are asking that the bonuses be repaid and that Johnson be placed on paid administrative leave.

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