**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**County Auditor Terence G. Habermehl and Treasurer Kyle Rudduck Partner with Merchants National Bank to Bolster Fraud Protection**
Wilmington, OH, March 13, 2024 — In a proactive move to fortify financial security measures within the county, County Auditor Terence G. Habermehl and Treasurer Kyle Rudduck proudly announce a strategic collaboration with Merchants National Bank (MNB) to implement a robust fraud protection system.
With the increasing sophistication of fraudulent activities targeting government agencies and businesses alike, safeguarding taxpayer funds has become paramount. As such, the County Auditor's Office and the Treasurer's Office have joined forces with MNB to introduce Positive Pay, a cutting-edge verification process designed to enhance security and mitigate risks associated with accounts payable payments.
Positive Pay operates as a comprehensive fraud prevention tool, allowing for real-time verification of checks presented for payment against a predefined list of authorized transactions. By leveraging this innovative technology, our county's financial institutions can promptly identify and flag any suspicious or unauthorized payments, thereby safeguarding taxpayer dollars and maintaining the integrity of our financial operations.
"Ensuring the security and integrity of our county's finances is of utmost importance," stated County Auditor Terence G. Habermehl. "By partnering with Merchants National Bank to implement Positive Pay, we are taking proactive steps to fortify our defenses against fraudulent activities and protect the interests of our constituents."
Treasurer Kyle Rudduck echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the Auditor's Office, the Treasurer's Office, and MNB in bolstering fraud protection measures. "In today's digital age, we must stay ahead of emerging threats to safeguard public funds," Treasurer Rudduck remarked. "Positive Pay represents a significant advancement in our ability to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions, ultimately enhancing the security of our county's financial transactions."
Merchants National Bank, recognized for its commitment to innovation and security in banking solutions, welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the County Auditor's Office and the Treasurer's Office in implementing Positive Pay.
"At Merchants National Bank, we are dedicated to providing our clients with state-of-the-art tools and technologies to safeguard their financial assets," said Denise Fauber, Chief Operating Officer. "We are proud to partner with the County Auditor's Office and the Treasurer's Office in deploying Positive Pay, a sophisticated fraud prevention solution that underscores our collective commitment to protecting the financial interests of the community."
The rollout of Positive Pay marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance fraud protection and ensure the responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds within the county. By harnessing the power of technology and fostering collaborative partnerships with leading financial institutions like Merchants National Bank, County Auditor Terence G. Habermehl, and Treasurer Kyle Rudduck reaffirm their commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Terence G. Habermehl, 937-382-2250 ext. 1134, habermehltg@clintoncountyohio.us
Kyle Rudduck, 937-382-2224 ext. 2224, kyle.rudduck@clintoncountyohio.us
Merchants National Bank, Electronic Banking Department, 937-393-1993 ext. 80101, electronicbanking@merchantsnat.com