Butler County’s mental health board orders independent reviews amid financial discrepancies, staff concerns | Local
The Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services (MHARS) Board is launching multiple independent reviews after discovering accounting discrepancies dating back to March 2023. According to agency records, an initial variance calculation by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health’s Office of Financial Management identified a discrepancy of $348,364.15.
Why is the MHARS Board launching independent reviews?
The 18-member board approved the reviews to address financial imbalances and leadership concerns. The agency is currently undergoing a personnel review led by the law firm Vorys and an accounting review and system reconciliation by Clark, Schaefer & Hackett.
MHARS is also participating in an expanded state audit to supplement the county’s annual audit conducted by Julian & Grube. According to May 20 meeting minutes, the board has not undergone a standalone independent audit in more than a decade.
How large are the financial discrepancies?
The imbalances exist between Munis, the county’s “bank account” system, and Traverse, the board’s internal “checkbook.” Executive Director Dr. Scott Rasmus wrote in an April 17 email to Clark, Schaefer & Hackett that the variance ranged from “a couple of $100,000” to nearly $3 million over three years.
By April 21, Rasmus stated the exact dollar amount was “truly unknown.” However, the June 5 calculation from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health suggested the gap was $348,364.15, which may indicate earlier estimates were overstated.
Dr. Rasmus told commissioners during a June 16 work session that the board found no evidence of theft or wrongdoing. He stated the agency is implementing a structured monthly reconciliation process to prevent future occurrences.
What staff concerns were reported?
Staff surveys from August 2025 flagged issues within the finance department and questioned leadership. One employee wrote that the finance department would “continue to deteriorate” unless the executive director addressed the problems.
Other survey responses cited missed deadlines and inaccurate reporting by the finance director. By October 2025, employees described worsening morale and workplace tension linked to leadership communication.
Dr. Rasmus said he has formed leadership committees to bridge communication gaps and added a human resources staff member to the team.
What happens next for Butler County mental health services?
The board and county commissioners are expected to make further decisions once the independent reviews are completed. The personnel review by Vorys is expected to be finished within weeks.
MHARS is currently considering a 1-mill renewal levy for the November ballot. According to County Administrator Judi Boyko, this levy is projected to generate approximately $8.2 million annually.
If approved, the levy could sustain the board’s $18 million budget, of which 64% comes from local tax levies. The board continues to contract with 14 community providers, including the Butler County Suicide Prevention Coalition and NAMI Butler County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the financial discrepancies at MHARS?
Neither public records nor the June 16 work session identified a clear cause for the discrepancy between the Munis and Traverse systems.
Has any money been stolen?
Executive Director Dr. Scott Rasmus told commissioners on June 16 that the board has found no evidence of theft or wrongdoing.
What services does the MHARS board provide?
The board oversees prevention, treatment, and recovery services, manages funding for inpatient psychiatric care for civilly committed residents, and supports providers like Freya’s Healing House and a crisis hotline.
How should local boards balance the need for urgent health services with the requirement for strict financial transparency?