Minutes of Meeting – March 29, 2012; Special Meeting – Review of FY11 Audit
Meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: J McNinch; D Roche; K Fowler; D Trancynger; L Messana.
Tom Scanlon, the Town’s auditor, presented the FY11 audit. Once again, the Town received a clean, unqualified audit. However, this year’s audit was more difficult to complete because of the extra time needed to reconcile various accounts. The auditor had to go back seven months to complete the reconciliation process. The TM explained that our former Town Accountant began to fall behind in the fall. Disciplinary action was taken, but this did not produce the desired results. The former accountant left the Town’s employ in May 2011 and a new person was hired in July. Mr. Scanlon noted that, while the lack of reconciliation is not something he likes to see, nothing was found amiss and appropriate corrective steps have been taken. He stated that it is too early to tell if the
current accountant will be able to keep up with everything as she is still learning the various aspects of the job. Come the summer, the question can be revisited. The Selectmen expressed their concerns over what happened and their desire for stronger internal controls. They stressed the importance of making sure our current accountant receives all the training she needs. The TM stated that ultimately he is responsible for ensuring that internal controls are all in place and that corrective actions have taken place. New steps will be added as additional safeguards to make sure reconciliations are occurring in a timely manner.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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