(The Center Square) – Fees for late payments are often grouped with the “junk fees” that add strain to already precarious consumer financial situations.
The fees have become a target for reform for state governments seeking to protect consumers, but for authorities awaiting the remittance of funds from local governments, penalties remain steep.
Ohio Auditor Keith Faber announced that the state awaits more than $1.5 million in interest, penalties, and fees for late payments and payroll withholding submissions between 2019 and 2025. More than $311,000 of that sum came from late fees in 2025, largely owed by villages, townships, school districts and libraries.
“There are too many public offices in Ohio paying their bills late, and that’s unacceptable,” Faber said. “It’s not a proper use of public resources, and those who are negligent will have to pay these late fees out of their own pockets.”
The number of municipalities incurring late fees rose from 27 to 46 in 2025. Entities like school districts and libraries felt the squeeze from state and federal funding cuts and shifts over the past year. Sixteen entities carried outstanding balances from previous years’ findings.
A fine against Paint Creek Joint Emergency Medical Services/Fire District Fiscal Officer James Barrett amounted to more than $303,000 after he repeatedly failed to pay tax and pension system remittances on time. Paint Creek serves 360 square miles including 10 townships and the city of Hillsboro. Its staff includes a mix of part-time, full-time and volunteer workers.
The treasurer of Wayne Local Schools in Warren County is being held responsible for more than $44,000 in fees and penalties for late payments to both government agencies and vendors utilized by the school system. The findings came after a three-year investigation that led to the dismissal of Treasurer Ronald L. James.
“The auditor’s findings provided the opportunity to strengthen our financial operations,” said Darren Amburgy, board president of Wayne Local Schools last December. “Our focus remains on maintaining the trust of our community and ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is managed responsibly.”
Three other findings topped the $20,000 mark, a stark warning to individual financial officers about their responsibilities.
Though substantial, the fees represent a fraction of the 880 findings for recovery issued by the auditor over the same time period. The office also recovers funds from losses due to fraud and misappropriation, loss, and incorrect payments.
