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Turin council presses for clearer financial records, considers new accounting software
Summary
Council members told the mayor they cannot access routine financial statements and said CPA Elizabeth Wingate recommended switching to Black Mountain accounting software; the council asked for written financial procedures and staff training ahead of the 2026–27 budget cycle.
Turin — Council members Lydia Wallin and Kimbely Barnett told Mayor Sprouse during a Feb. 11 work session that they have been unable to obtain routine financial statements and raised concerns about the town's accounting systems as the 2026–27 budget cycle approaches.
Wallin and Barnett said they spoke with CPA Elizabeth Wingate, who told the council the town’s current accounting software is inadequate and recommended Black Mountain software as better suited to Turin’s needs. Wingate also offered to show staff member Rena how to print a monthly ledger and has been sending Rena emails to help clarify coding of transactions, the council was told.
The council framed the discussion as part of broader preparation for next year’s budget. Wallin pressed for formal written policies and procedures governing financial matters. Mayor Sprouse said he intends to assemble an employee package and follow up on training and systems upgrades.
Council members and the CPA discussed practical next steps rather than taking any formal action at the work session. No vote was held; council members asked staff to pursue information about software options and to document steps to improve routine access to financial statements. Wallin also asked members to review a separate audit letter from the Georgia Department of Audits and respond to it by the end of the week.
The council plans to continue the budget conversation at upcoming meetings and said staff training and software procurement would be scheduled as needed.
