MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Years after Robert Landon left office, the shadow of the former Marion city auditor continues to loom as the city grapples with ongoing financial issues.

Current Marion Auditor Miranda Meginness confirmed the 2021 audit is now with the State Auditor for completion. A recent news release from her office indicated Marion is currently under scrutiny by the state.

Since 2019, findings by the State Auditor related to late fees have ranged from about $100 to more than $200,000. Of 118 findings, 91 totaled over $1,000, including $176,899 in findings for recovery tied to incorrect and late tax payments made by the City of Marion.

Under state law, fees, penalties, and interest from late payments are categorized as gross negligence and improper expenditures with no public benefit. Individuals responsible for these late payments could face findings for recovery, making them personally liable for repaying the funds.

The situation in Marion extends beyond late payments. The city’s audits for subsequent years remain incomplete, raising concerns about potential impacts on grant funding.

“Marion is at risk of losing renewable grant opportunities the longer we go without a complete audit, which is why my office is doing everything we can to complete them as quickly as possible,” Meginness said when asked about the implications of the incomplete audits. Marion has not yet lost any renewable grants.

Additionally, Marion currently lacks a bond rating, a key indicator of creditworthiness for corporate or government debt. Meginness also shared the latest Treasurer’s report for March 2025, highlighting current fiscal information.

The investment balance sheet detailed the following:

  • Fahey General (0165): $1,474,168.96 (Interest: $303.79)

  • Union Bank Intrafi Savings: $12,431.63 (Interest: $26.36)

  • First Citizens National: $2,575,906.86 (Interest: $2,304.00)

  • Fifth Third: $7,305,547.67 (Interest: $32,763.28)

  • Fahey Payroll (1285): $382,989.44 (Interest: $502.10)

  • Union Bank Money Market (1397): $3,299.50 (Interest: $6.86)

  • First Citizens National Money Market: $250,000.00 (Interest: $815.07)

  • Total Balance: $12,004,344.00

  • Total Interest Earned: $36,721.46

Notably, Marion had $16 million in investments at the end of 2023, marking a significant loss of $3,995,656.00. As Marion navigates these financial challenges, the need for resolution and transparency has never been more pressing.