Medina County's usually sleepy world of public finance has found itself in the spotlight, as commissioners push back on more than $214,000 in consulting fees tied to a former top deputy in the auditor's office and hit the brakes on new payments while they sort through the paperwork.
At the center of the dispute is consultant Dennis DeCamillo, a former chief deputy who has been advising Auditor Anthony Capretta. County finance officials have paused approvals for certain invoices connected to his work and have already refused a bill for just over $5,000 while the board combs through records.
Invoices Show Repeated Payments To Diamond Point
Public invoice listings show multiple payments to a vendor identified as Diamond Point or Diamond Point Advisors for consulting and real estate assessment work. Those county records list payments totaling roughly $214,000 since 2023 and include a $22,750 charge in September 2025 and a $5,417 payment in February 2026. The entries appear in the county's online invoice reports, according to Medina County Auditor Expense Reports.
Commissioners Demand Answers As Payments Are Halted
During a recent meeting, commissioners said they have received complaints about personnel practices inside the auditor's office and pressed for details about DeCamillo's role. Commissioner Steve Hambley questioned how far that role extends, saying, "I did not know how a consultant signs their name to letterhead," according to Cleveland.com.
Finance Director Brett Thomas told the outlet his office has stopped approving payments tied to Diamond Point and confirmed the county refused an invoice for slightly more than $5,000. That same reporting notes that a recent state audit flagged about $15,000 in improperly paid insurance premiums and questioned more than $40,000 in payments to a photographer and videographer with campaign ties. Capretta denied wrongdoing, and the auditor's office said the termination letter at issue in the audit was signed while he was out of town.
DeCamillo's Background And Role
DeCamillo previously served as chief deputy under former Auditor Mike Kovack and is no stranger to the county's finances. He has appeared in public meetings to help explain appraisal and budget issues, including sitting in on the auditor's budget hearings and speaking about reappraisal and staffing decisions, according to Medina County Commissioners' Minutes.
Commissioners Call In The State
Concerned that internal debate might not be enough, the board has formally asked the Ohio Auditor of State to take a closer look at the auditor's office. Commissioners submitted an affidavit seeking additional review of records and personnel decisions, according to Medina Gazette. The move follows the finance office's decision to hold certain payments while legal counsel and staff examine invoices and internal memos.
What It Means For County Oversight
For now, some checks are on hold, the paperwork is under a microscope, and the auditor's office is facing heightened scrutiny. Commissioners say they will keep reviewing records and could refer findings to state authorities if they believe further action is warranted. Residents, in the meantime, are getting an up-close look at how county leaders handle tension over who is watching the money and how.
