County administrator outlines concerns over Board of Elections actions

Tuscarawas County Administrator Kris Lowdermilk provided a detailed report to county commissioners regarding one-time payments made to Board of Elections staff and the hiring of an information technology director.

Lowdermilk said eight employees received one-time payments totaling $47,500 Dec. 18, 2025, as approved by the Board of Elections Dec. 8. He also raised concerns about the hiring of Jeremiah Johnson as the department’s IT director, citing questions related to his criminal background and insurability.

Lowdermilk said he requested documentation and a meeting with Board of Elections Director David Johnson and Deputy Director Brian Swartzwelder in February to explain the factual and legal basis for the payments and hiring decision. Instead, he received meeting minutes that did not address the concerns, along with a response stating a meeting was not necessary.

According to Lowdermilk, information provided to commissioners suggested the payments were made in lieu of overtime. However, payroll records show more than $11,300 was paid in overtime and more than $10,400 in sick leave in 2025.

Lowdermilk also noted that county maintenance staff and contracted movers assisted with relocating the Board of Elections office, and voting machines were staged in the new building after the November election, reducing workload.

A public records request submitted Feb. 25 sought documentation explaining the “circumstances of the past year” cited as justification for the payments, as well as how compensation amounts were determined. Lowdermilk said the Board of Elections responded that no additional documentation exists beyond meeting minutes and a press release.

He further noted the payments were not discussed during the Board of Elections’ October 2025 budget meeting and were not presented to commissioners, who serve as the appropriating authority.

Lowdermilk referenced guidance from the Ohio Secretary of State’s Elections Administration Manual, which states boards of elections must establish personnel policies and consult county officials on employment matters.

Concerns about the hiring of Jeremiah Johnson were also raised in correspondence from Ryan Styer, who questioned the hiring process, background review and insurability. Lowdermilk said the Board of Elections has not responded to those concerns.

In March, Lowdermilk sent additional documentation to the Board of Elections and the county prosecutor’s office recommending Johnson be placed on paid administrative leave due to potential liability concerns. He said no response has been received.

Lowdermilk concluded that no documentation has been provided to justify the payments or explain how individual amounts were determined. He noted the transactions could be considered unusual and have been referred to the Ohio Auditor of State for review.

He also stated the Board of Elections should consider adjusting its 2026 budget and returning the funds to the county general fund.

Lowdermilk said the situation reflects a lack of responsiveness to oversight by commissioners and the prosecutor’s office and raises concerns about accountability in the management of taxpayer funds.