By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor
A clean annual audit report was presented to the Dexter Board of Aldermen, with some recommendations for future city operations. The report was present at the Board meeting this week.
“You have a clean opinion, which is the opinion you want to get from your CPA,” said Auditor Pam Jean of Jean and Company. Jean presented to the board an independent auditor’s report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010.
In its review of the city’s finances, Jean said that the auditors noted points that, if implemented, could strengthen the city’s operations. Among the audit’s suggestions were:
- Annual inventory – Jean mentioned the inventory could be done at any point in the year, but that the end of the year is the usual time. “A detailed inventory helps to account for all materials and be sure that all items are handled property,” the report stated.
- Internal control – the report mentioned that strengthened “internal control,” which relates to the structure, work and authority flows.
“Internal control has to do with out having adequate separation between who’s making the general ledger, who’s writing the checks, who’s reconciling the bank account, who’s receiving the money,” Jean explained. “We just want to increase as much as we can in that to have as much control as you can, so if a mistake or anything is made we can catch it as fast as we possible can. Sometimes – and I find this myself – when you’re checking your own work it’s harder to find an error.”
She mentioned that the more individuals share the responsibilities in those areas the better. Jean and city officials noted that that can be difficult to accomplish with smaller staff sizes, but she said that a meeting is planned with city management, auditors and accountants to find ways to add additional controls.
Aldermen unanimously approved the audit report.
Most city department heads had nothing to report to aldermen at the first meeting of March.
Library Director Pam Trammell did mention that the Annual Friends of the Library Fashion Show will be held Tuesday, March 12 at the Elks Lodge in Dexter. She said there were just a few tickets to the event still available.
A new cell phone company has been working with the city on the possible installation of a cell phone tower in the city. This is in addition to the tower Verizon currently maintains in the West City Park.
City Administrator Mark Stidham reported that he plans to present at the next meeting additional information for aldermen on the project plus a proposed ordinance permitting the tower.
Kudos were offered by Alderman Jerry Corder (Ward I) and Mayor Joe Weber to Welcome Center Director Angie Williamson and Stidham for the “Remember Our Fallen” opening ceremony that was held Saturday, March 3.
Ordinance Passed
Ordinance Number 4666 – Disbursements for February 2012
- Motion to accept by Alderman Taylor/Second by Alderman Battles
- Voting Yes – Aslin, Battles. Taylor, Corder, Essner; not present – Pixley
Photo Above: Pam Jean, CPA, presented the auditor's report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 at the meeting of the Dexter Board of Aldermen.
