Board appoints Robin as director; approves financial reports and reviews audit findings

The La Porte County Solid Waste District board voted July 8 to appoint Robin as director and to evaluate her performance after six months, after a hiring committee recommendation.

"I recommend that we appoint Robin as the director," a hiring committee member said; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The board also reviewed financial reports. Robin told members the district has enough cash to operate until the next distribution in December and reported $2,208,830 in revenue for the year. Following a presentation, the board moved and approved the financial reports.

Auditors reported no evidence of fraud or unauthorized spending but flagged an internal-control issue: payroll had been recorded in the same fund as operating cash, overstating revenues and understating expenses. Auditors recommended separating payroll from the clearing fund going forward; staff said they corrected the classification and would consider annual review to ensure consistency.

The board discussed an audit fee and loan refinance tied to the compost site. Robin said an audit fee of $61.45 appeared on the claims and that interest charges from refinancing had been paid; the board confirmed funds were available to cover those costs and noted the first payment on the refinanced loan would not be due until March of next year.

During public comment, Amy Bridal, president of the Citizens Advisory Committee, said the CAC will meet after this session to consider one candidate, Don Stoner, and will return in September with a recommendation.

The board adjourned after a brief discussion of service pickup issues and a reminder about a community reading of the Declaration of Independence later that day.