A letter from William J. Owen of the Ohio Auditor of State’s office has declared Judge Walter Starr’s spending in the Probate/Juvenile Court as being “proper” and legal under the Ohio Revised Code. Judge Starr had been called into question by Monroe County Auditor Pandora Neuhart after using computerization funds and other funds to purchase a five-year Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) credit for two employees in the total amount of $269,840.71.

Owen’s letter, which addressed Judge Walter Starr with copies being sent to Auditor Neuhart and her legal counsel, referenced Bulletin 93-02 and Bulletin 97-019 to explain his decision. Those bulletins give appropriate computerization expenses.