Embattled city auditor to resign in January - what that means for the city, the office

Sandy Meindersma, Marion Star
Updated ·2 min read
1

Editor's Note: This story incorrectly reported that it was under Meginness' tenure that $1.28 million was paid to the state of Ohio instead of the IRS, when it was under Meginness' predecessor, Robert Landon.

The chaos in the Marion City Auditor’s office continues, as current city auditor Miranda Meginness has announced her intent to resign her position effective Jan. 5, 2024.

In addition to the need to replace Meginness, the city had been hit with $270,000 in fines and penalties from the IRS, and the city has a cashflow problem severe enough to force the city to sell some of its investments before maturity to cover the next three payroll cycles.

Meginness has been under fire from the City Council, with several members calling for her to resign.

Meginness’ troubled tenure

Meginness was appointed by the Republican party to replace Robert Landon, following his resignation in 2021, two years after Landon was first elected to the city auditor’s seat.

Under Meginness’ tenure, the city auditor failed to file IRS documentation, and survived a no-confidence vote by the City Council that deadlocked 4-4.

Despite these troubles, Meginness ran for re-election in November, and was unopposed, thus winning her own four-year term.

Ayers Ratliff, who has been a critic of Meginness and her performance, said that it was a good thing that Meginness was stepping down.

“I hope the city can get its footing back again,” he said. “We’re currently in a cash crisis."

Meginness’ replacement

Normally, the party of the person resigning appoints the replacement who fills the seat until the next general election. However, because Meginness is listed as an independent and plans to resign in January, the appointment falls to Mayor-elect Bill Collins, who will be sworn in Jan. 1.

“I had not been searching for candidates for the auditor’s position,” Collins said. “But I am searching now.”

Collins said that he had been in discussions with Meginness about the possibility of her assuming the Transit Director’s job, but declined to confirm that an official offer had been made.

“Both the Transit Director and a clerk in that office are retiring, and those positions have not yet been posted,” he said. “But I’m just the Mayor-elect, and it would have to happen after I am sworn in.”

Calls to Meginness' office seeking comment were not returned.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Marion City Auditor to resign in January - Who will replace Meginness