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VIENNA -- Communication about finances was a common theme Monday during the Vienna Township Trustees meeting.
The newly sworn in fiscal officer, Rhonda Root, promised residents an open line of communication with trustees and township employees.
"Unfortunately, as you all know, the auditor's office has taken over records, so I don't have any updates for you right now but I do want you to know that I plan to meet with the police and fire heads and the (township) employees," she said.
"I want to get their information and feedback. I need to get information from them so I can get up to speed and we can get the township back on track."
She said not only were records taken, but also the trustees' and fiscal officer's laptop, which contained various public records.
Fire Chief Richard Brannon responded by stating he reached out to trustees via various emails and hasn't received a response.
"How do you want me to operate as fire chief?" he asked.
"I've been pulling money out of my own pocket buying stuff. What are we supposed to do next? How am I supposed to explain to the fiscal officer how we're supposed to appropriate when you won't even tell me what to do?"
Tom Shay, who was appointed as the fiscal officer's assistant, responded that the meeting isn't for a budget or financials, but to help the fiscal officer understand what's occurring amongst township workers.
Trustee Phil Pegg said the previous fiscal officer was primarily on the bank accounts but that trustees also had access to them.
Jacqueline Sage, a Vienna resident, asked trustees, "Why were they accepting excuses instead of getting the bank statements themselves?"
Trustee Robert Root said they are getting the statements now.
Sage responded by asking why they waited to get statements.
"Why weren't we getting them when she's (Linda McCullough) not giving them and you're asking for them?" she asked.
Root responded by stating, "If you don't like my answer, I apologize."
Trustees also announced they met with the auditor Sunday and the investigation is still underway.
In other news during the meeting, township police Chief Bob Ludt addressed allegations against an officer at a township meeting Monday.
On March 25, Scott Ardary was filling in for the primary school resource officer at Mathews Local School District.
It is alleged that Ardary was working in the High School during lunch period and asked a group of teenage girls, who were all seated at the same table, various questions regarding their sexual preferences.
An officer who was filling in for the primary SRO the day after received a note from one of the girls, stating what had occured.
Ludt confirmed that a complaint was made.
"As a police chief, I take all allegations against my officers seriously and (the) complaint will be investigated and the conclusion of the investigation will determine (if) changes are needed to be made or any disciplinary action taken," he said.
He said various anonymous posters have been spreading rumors regarding the allegations on Facebook.
"I would remind everybody that social media is not (an) accurate source of information," Ludt said. "I ask that the citizens appreciate the challenges my officers face and not jump to conclusions."
Ludt said all SROs undergo background checks and a week of state-approved training.
He said if he and the department find the allegations to be true, it may lead to a change in some policies and procedures among SROs.