Originally posted October 20, 2006

Auditor of State Responds to Legal Expense Expenditure Question

Earlier this year, two STRS Ohio associates were reimbursed for the legal expenses they incurred in assisting the Ohio Ethics Commission and the Columbus City Attorney’s office in the prosecution of a former board member for ethics violations. To date, a total of $1,400 has been reimbursed. During its Sept. 14, 2006, meeting, the Retirement Board voted to waive the board’s attorney-client privilege for discussions held in executive sessions on May 17, 2006, and Aug. 18, 2006, regarding the payment of these fees. Taking this action enabled the Auditor of State to discuss the expenditure with board and staff members to determine if the reimbursements were allowable. The response received from Auditor of State Betty Montgomery on Oct. 20, 2006, is available on the STRS Ohio Web site.