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State Auditor denies extension; Silver Plume discontinues Employers Council and DRCOG memberships
Summary
The town was told the State Auditor will not extend its audit deadline; the Board voted to discontinue annual memberships to Employers Council and DRCOG that the clerk described as unused, and will seek audit completion options.
Town Clerk Chelsea Nihiser told the Board Feb. 9 that the State Auditor denied an extension for Silver Plume's 2024 audit and has requested the 2024 audit be submitted as soon as possible. The Clerk said the State Auditor gave the town until July 31, 2026 to submit the 2025 audit. Mayor Leonard Berenato said he has asked the town's accountant, Eliot Gidan, to identify alternative auditors for the 2025 engagement; the Board agreed the 2024 audit must be finished with the current auditor but indicated willingness to interview other firms for 2025.
Clerk Nihiser also reviewed two annual memberships that have historically been paid but reportedly unused: Employers Council ($3,995 annually) and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG, $600 annually). Nihiser said she has relied instead on the Colorado Municipal League (CML) and the Colorado Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA) for resources. Trustee Mark Basham asked who the Clerk would contact for assistance if needed; Nihiser said CML and CMCA would be the go-to resources. The Board voted to discontinue the Employers Council and DRCOG memberships and not pay the invoices (motion by Tammy Frey; second by Randal McDonald; motion passed unanimously).
The Clerk also reported early discussions with Clear Creek County Tourism Bureau director Jess Jones about the county's revamped "Trails to Towns" promotional pocket guide; Silver Plume requested a map with parking guidance and restroom locations for visitors. The clerk and mayor will meet with the county bureau later this week for further discussion.
Next steps: the Clerk and Mayor will pursue audit status with the current auditor and possible alternatives; the Clerk will continue tourism coordination with Clear Creek County and will present any proposals to the Board at a future meeting.
