Treasurer reports balances, auditors clear planning stage; commissioners press for clearer pre-audit figures

Treasurer Tom Doar and Finance Director Lisa Bryant reported the county’s cash and managed investment account balances and told the commissioners that the external auditors have completed the planning stage and will schedule the audit.

Bryant said general fund cash stood at $929,001.04 in an insured sweep account; other managed investment and money market balances were also reported. She said the audit planning stage is complete, which allows scheduling of the formal audit, and that staff will not book prior-year expenses into the new fiscal year once the audit schedule is set.

Commissioners repeatedly sought a single "point-in-time" estimate of the county's net position at July 1, noting that unaudited monthly reports show a snapshot but do not yet include outstanding bills or auditor adjustments. Finance staff reiterated the reports are unaudited and that the auditors' adjusting entries could change the preliminary balances.

One commissioner urged finance to prepare a presentation for the budget committee to walk through carryover figures and to explain how outstanding bills affect the apparent year-end balances. Finance staff also described operational improvements: a new time-card system across departments and selection as a beta user for Maine Municipal Employee Health Trust online tools to reduce retro billing.

No formal fiscal actions were voted at the meeting. Commissioners asked for a follow-up presentation to the budget committee to provide clarity before further budget decisions.