About Audits

A recent comment asked:

"You're the council member with most experience ( I didn't say oldest), when did the audits start?What year? Have they ever found anything?"

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As far as I know, there have always been annual audits. When elections were held every year, the financial statement for the previous year was distributed on nomination night. The meetings were held in the auditorium of Wells Street School. It was filled to overflowing. Statement copies were placed on each seat.

In my first year, Former Mayor Clarence Davies announced the town's budget had passed the million dollar mark for the first time.

I have never heard of anything untoward in the audit. In 2004, there was a concern about lack of control in the handling of recreational revenues. There were not enough staff in treasury to do the job that needed to be done. There was no indication of anything amiss. The staff shortage was corrected. It meant the department's budget had to be increased........ Of course.

I recall a situation years ago when figures didn't add up. There was a police investigation and a person quietly departed. It wasn't a secret in the town but it wasn't broadcast by the town.If a citizen asked the question ,they would receive an answer. And that was an end of it.

Municipalities have insurance to take care of such matters. Discreet handling may have something to do with keeping premiums within reason and staying out of court and the hands of lawyers.

I'm not sure how or if the audit represents such a thing.

This year's audit would be one to scrutinise. Public statements were made in 2008 that town funds were improperly expended. I did not and do not agree. I will look to see if that item is noted in the audit.

Unapproved expenditures for windrow clearing in the last two weeks of December would be minimal. Will they show up in the audit? If not...why not?

Funds expended for legal costs will be of interest. We shall have been without a solicitor on staff for a year. What will the audit reveal about that?

Provincial law requires publication . Look for the Town's Audited Financial Statement in the Notice Board and the web site shortly. Once all 2008 invoices were in and paid , the books were closed.