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Trimont council: clean 2024 audit, but auditors urge stronger conflict rules and larger reserves
Summary
Auditors reported a clean 2024 audit but flagged conflicts-of-interest disclosures and endorsement practices; they recommended raising utility rates to shore up business fund reserves. Council voted to let two officials review an Edward Jones holding and approved routine bills and a $200 ambulance contribution.
Auditors from Burkhardt & Burkhardt told the Trimont City Council on April 21 that the city received a clean audit for 2024 but that several infractions need attention, particularly conflict-of-interest disclosures and endorsements on paid claims. The auditors recommended the council adopt a formal Conflict of Interest policy and consider raising utility rates to increase reserve days in business funds, warning that such infractions could harm the city's bonding rates.
The recommendation came during the council's review of the audit and finance reports. Council members discussed monitoring an Edward Jones investment account and agreed by motion to authorize Council Member Ronald Shade and Clerk Kelli Harder to decide whether to sell the investment if losses become significant (motion approved 5-0). The council also reviewed and approved the March bills and bank reconciliation as presented.
Council also approved Resolution 2025-04, a $200 contribution to the local ambulance service (5-0). The auditors' recommendation for a Conflict of Interest policy was echoed by the City Attorney during the meeting; the council later approved collaborating with the League of Minnesota Cities and retained employment counsel, steps the City Attorney said would support stronger governance.
The audit and finance discussion highlighted two recurring concerns: insufficient days of reserves in city business funds and procedural weaknesses in disclosure and endorsement practices. The council did not adopt new rate changes at the meeting; staff and council indicated those would be considered in future budget or ordinance work.
The meeting concluded with routine approvals of vendor payments listed in the packet and no formal additional finance actions scheduled. The council adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
