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Select Board member presses for action on forensic audit appropriated two years ago
Summary
Vice Chair Member Demers told the Select Board the forensic audit funded at a prior town meeting remains incomplete after nearly two years and asked the manager to prioritize completion or seek to rescind the appropriation; members discussed procurement challenges for audit firms and directed staff to make the matter a near-term priority.
Member Demers urged the board to set a deadline for the forensic audit the town appropriated funds for almost two years ago, saying the work has not been completed and the board needs to decide whether to prioritize it or seek rescission of the appropriation at a future town meeting.
"Almost 2 years ago at fall annual town meeting, we voted...The town approved money for forensic audit. And here we are 2 years later, and it still hasn't been done," Demers said. He asked the board to either make the audit a town-manager priority or ask town meeting to rescind the funds.
Town Manager Settee and other members said audit procurement has been difficult because the number of firms offering comprehensive audits has shrunk and the town’s long-audit contractor changed ownership. Settee reported he had pressed the incumbent firm to resume work and that staff is arranging for someone to complete the audits going forward. Several board members said the forensic audit remains important and asked the manager and finance staff to prioritize next steps and coordinate with school finance leadership where appropriate.
The board directed staff to return with a plan and timeline to complete or otherwise resolve the forensic-audit appropriation.
