Russell Trustee Apologizes, Withdraws Audit Request

April 8, 2026 by Staff Report

Russell Township Trustee Amy Heutmaker issued a public apology April 2 to Fiscal Officer Karen Walder for prior allegations regarding township financial practices, while Walder renewed her call for an independent review of those claims.

“I do want to restate my request to the board of trustees to initiate an outside, independent review of the written allegations made against me in my capacity as fiscal officer,” Walder said. “Those allegations included that I made or caused to be made interfund or intrafund transfers in violation of the Ohio compliance supplement and Ohio Revised Code, resulting in an excessive cash carryover in 2025 and that I made or caused material discrepancies between the townships end of year 2025 fund balances and the 2026 budget starting balances, also allegedly contributing to excess cash carryover in 2025.”

Heutmaker apologized to Walder for the accusations.

“I apologize today very publicly for my comments two weeks ago,” she said. “That was a misstep on my part and I want to be very clear on that, so I say it again for a second time. I am apologizing to the fiscal officer for my misstep two weeks ago and for any perceived uncomfortability that she has expressed to me in the last couple of weeks.”

Walder acknowledged the apology but said the issue remains unresolved.

“While I appreciate that, Trustee Heutmaker, this is a case where the toothpaste cannot be put back in the tube,” Walder said.

Heutmaker also said she is withdrawing her request for an audit of intrafund transfers from 2024 through 2026 after consulting legal counsel.

“I was corrected on that and per counsel from our assistant prosecuting attorney, I’m not following up on that,” she said.

The next Russell Township Trustees meeting is scheduled for April 16 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room at 8501 Kinsman Road.