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Residents press for forensic audit as board details audit history and water fund strains
Summary
Residents presented a 290-signature petition seeking a forensic audit; board leaders summarized past audits and reviews, said state controller reviews are free, and flagged that water fund expenses currently exceed revenues; a budget workshop was set for January to examine transfers and rate changes.
During the meeting the Village of Mount Morris board fielded public comment and reviewed the village’s recent audit history while also addressing concerns about water department finances.
Tracy, a resident who identified herself during public comment, told the board she had submitted a petition with 290 signatures requesting an external forensic audit of village finances. "I emailed you all a petition result uh with 290 signatures on it," she said. The chair acknowledged receipt and noted she had received the petition and would look into options, and reiterated that state controller audits are free though an external forensic audit would carry a cost.
The mayoral lead reviewed historical reviews the board had referenced: a state controller audit covering June 2010–Feb. 2013 that found deficiencies in ledgers and reconciliation, and a 2018 outside review by an accounting firm that recommended better internal controls, policies and multi-year financial planning. The chair said the village now works with an accounting firm to prepare AFRs and monthly reports and that separation of duties and timely filings have improved.
Board members and department staff also discussed water operations and revenue: one participant noted that water expenses are currently exceeding revenue and that chemical and transportation cost increases are contributing pressures on the water fund. The board noted it had recently approved a rate increase and scheduled a budget workshop for Jan. 13 to review ledgers, transfers and potential adjustments.
Key figures and next steps: The board authorized a budget transfer to credit police equipment and state aid tied to a grant in the amount recorded as $17,317.48; it approved a payment of $230,185 to ST's Construction for the water treatment plant. The chair encouraged residents to submit formal written requests for records rather than relying on social media and said the clerk will make the mayor’s report available on request once prepared by the accounting office.
What was not decided: The petition requesting a forensic audit was presented but the board did not order an external forensic audit at the meeting; no formal directive to commission such an audit was recorded.
