Central State, BGSU expected to join Ohio’s checkbook system

Central State University and Bowling Green State University are expected to be the first public universities to join Ohio’s “checkbook” system that allows the public to look at the school’s finances.

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel is set to make an announcement at 10 a.m. today in Columbus at the offices of the Inter-University Council of Ohio alongside officials from two state universities.

RELATED: CSU removed from fiscal watch as WSU edges toward it

While no official announcement has been made, it appears the two universities will join Mandel's transparency initiative, OhioCheckbook.com.

The two universities, along with Central Ohio Technical College, are listed on the checkbook website. But, when users click on the colleges, they are redirected to a log in page where they must enter a password to gain access.

The announcement comes as CSU was removed form state fiscal watch in April.

RELATED: Moody’s Investors Service downgrades Wright State’s credit rating

The colleges appear to be the first three to join the checkbook. The website allows users to comb through the finances of hundreds of local governments and school districts.

Mandel is running for the Republican nomination for a U.S. senate seat that is currently held by Democrat Sherrod Brown. Over the last few months, Mandel has been under fire for spending around $1.84 in public money on TV ads just before announcing his senate bid.

About the Author