Village will move accounting to QuickBooks Online; treasurer reports bank balances and village buys language-access equipment

The Village of Red Hook treasurer reported the village’s cash position and briefed trustees on administrative changes: a planned migration from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, and purchase of language-access equipment that will permit remote simultaneous interpretation at public meetings.

Treasurer Marybeth Stevens reported balances across village funds: general-fund checking, water fund, payroll clearing and several reserve accounts. The treasurer said QuickBooks Desktop has required recurring assistance from the village’s IT provider and that QuickBooks Online will raise annual subscription costs from approximately $918 to about $1,800 for the municipality’s accounts, but staff expect operational efficiencies to offset the higher subscription cost.

Stevens said the QuickBooks Online subscription will be purchased through the controller and paid from the treasurer’s expense budget; the budget contains $2,000 to cover the cost and the village will seek a pro-rated refund for the March renewal already paid.

Language access equipment

The village purchased five sets of Bluetooth headphones and five Chromebooks configured to receive simultaneous interpretation for in-person attendees linked to a remote interpreter through the village Zoom account. The full cost reported for that equipment will be reimbursed by Dutchess County via a Justice County grant to the village. The treasurer said protective sleeves and the final hardware were in transit and staff plan a test run before scheduling interpreters for a public meeting.

Other administration items

Trustees heard that Marybeth (treasurer) will post checks as requested and that payroll staff changes are forthcoming: the payroll/account clerk plans to retire in mid-August and staff will advertise the part-time position; the clerk’s office and treasurer’s office will coordinate recruitment. The board also heard routine departmental reports including police, fire and public works summaries that were accepted and filed.