A recent audit of Worth Township’s finances has triggered an internal investigation into some elected officials allegedly receiving extra and unapproved-of compensation.
The audit, as completed by local firm King & Messing of Imlay City, focused on the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2025. In a letter sent to the township board on December 19, 2025, the auditors identified several “significant deficiencies,” such as bank statements not being timely reconciled for the general ledger and the township’s property tax account; some officials receiving compensation in excess to what was agreed upon in the year’s salary resolution; and payroll tax withholdings not being paid in a timely manner, thus causing the township to be assessed penalties and interest for late payments.
The auditors note that paying compensation over the authorized salary amounts constitutes an unauthorized expenditure and a violation of statute.
In a press release issued Wednesday, January 28, township trustee Steven Kovac said that “documented information has come to light that demonstrates the inability of the responsible officials to discern right from wrong.”
Township trustee Doug Varty noted via the press release that “the penalties and interest incurred by the failure of the responsible officials to properly file on time has cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars.”
Kovac confirmed that township attorneys are interviewing the responsible parties this week, though he stresses that it is only an internal investigation, and that law enforcement is not involved. A recommended action plan will also be presented at the township’s regular board meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, at 6:30 p.m.
Read the press release here:
