Resident urges clearer audit summary; board to invite auditors to explain 2023 audit

A Kingston resident urged the Select Board to obtain an accessible executive summary of the town’s audit and to have the auditors explain the 2023 audit findings to the board.

Speaking during public comment, Rick Russman of Beach Drive said the town should not simply accept the audit without board members understanding its substance. "It’s extraordinarily unusual to have the town not have its audit done," Russman said, and he recommended the town require auditors to provide an executive summary that highlights strengths and weaknesses. He suggested the chair consider signing the audit "without confidence" if board members feel they cannot verify it.

Board response: A Select Board member said the board had planned to invite the auditors to come and speak with the board to explain the 2023 audit; the auditors were scheduled to be in town for several days and the board planned to ask questions while they were on site. "We said we wanna ask the auditors to come and speak with us to explain the 2023 audit," a board member said during the meeting.

Why it matters: The audit documents municipal financial compliance and internal controls. Residents and board members said they wanted the auditors to present findings in accessible language and to answer questions so the board can sign and accept the audit with a full understanding of its implications.

Next steps: Board members said they would arrange for the auditors to appear while they are available later in the week the auditors are on site so the board can review questions and receive an explanation of the audit findings.