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HAMILTON — State Auditor Mary Taylor has issued a critical assessment of New Miami's finances.

Taylor responded Monday, March 3, to the Butler County commission's earlier request to provide the village financial services. Her letter indicated the state can provide little more than the oversight it does now, which isn't helping much.

"The village has a history of poor controls, inaccurate accounting, and lack of compliance with Ohio law," Taylor's letter states. "Village officials have not taken corrective action to eliminate these weaknesses or address the non-compliance issues brought to their attention."

Taylor faults former village Fiscal Officer Joe Ebbing for stalling the state's annual audit — which is several years behind schedule — and preventing an analysis of the village's finances.

The letter was issued the same day Ebbing announced a bid for county commission.

He was fired from the village in January and on Monday, March 3, filed an independent challenge to Republican incumbent county Commissioner Donald Dixon.

Ebbing said Taylor is "misinformed on some things," and that this controversy won't hurt his election bid.

"I think that the truth will get out about the bookkeeping at New Miami, which was completely up to date, balanced and everything when I left," he said.

A criminal investigation that "centers around the financial records and activities of Mr. Ebbing" is ongoing, and includes the Butler County Sheriff's Office and state auditor's office, said sheriff's office Spokesman Sgt. Monte Mayer.

Contact this reporter at jsweigart@coxohio.com.