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City auditor says Seymour's finances are strong but flags staffing limits on internal controls
Summary
City auditor Greg Pitel presented the 2024 audit, saying finances are sound but recommending stronger division of duties given the city's small staff and urging care to preserve the water fund's rate of return to avoid future rate increases.
Greg Pitel, the presenter of the city's 2024 audit, told the Joint Committee of the Whole on April 14 that overall municipal finances are strong but internal controls need improvement because "more division of duties is needed but is limited by only having two staff members." He advised the committee to avoid letting the water fund's rate of return fall, warning that lower returns could force larger water-rate increases in the future.
The audit presentation identified constrained staffing as the principal obstacle to segregating financial duties; Pitel said the issue is a limit of capacity rather than of accounting practice. Committee members did not take a formal vote on audit follow-ups during the meeting but discussed the need to consider operational changes to strengthen controls.
The auditor's remarks provide context for upcoming personnel and administrative work: the Personnel Committee is scheduled to meet May 16 to review a counteroffer from the Seymour Professional Police Association as officials continue succession planning. The City Administrator also noted other near-term dates, including council reorganization on April 15 and the Plan Commission meeting on April 17.
Next steps: the committee retained the audit on its agenda; staff will likely return with recommendations for improving internal control procedures and any resourcing needs.
