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Supervisors discuss exploratory forensic audit, $17 million in account balances and staffing changes
Summary
Board members described an exploratory forensic review to reconcile inter‑fund accounting and capital project balances; supervisors said about $17 million at the end of 2023 needs characterization and the township has hired outside zoning consultants while audit drafts are reviewed.
Vanessa, a township supervisor, told the board on Aug. 13 that an exploratory forensic audit is underway to examine pulled cash, the disposition of proceeds from the water‑and‑sewer sale, and inter‑fund accounting that has produced unclear balances over several years. She said auditors have found accounts that should be closed or reconciled and that the work will help determine what transfers and clean‑ups are needed.
"There are several accounts that should be closed that aren't, like, which is a good thing to be in because there's money in there, so we have money, but we're not quite sure where they go," Vanessa said, urging careful reconciliation. She added auditors identified approximately $17,000,000 at the end of 2023 that require review to determine the proper fund treatment, and that the exploratory phase will report back with depth by Aug. 23 so the board can plan next steps.
A resident speaker, Michael Simone, clarified the difference among awards and audits, noting that the township’s GFOA recognition is a presentation award rather than a financial grant. "The GFOA award that we received ... is not a financial award," Simone said during citizen comments, and he outlined distinctions between a standard financial audit, an internal audit and a forensic audit.
Township staff also reported operational changes: the manager said the first draft of the annual audit was received and recommended appointing an outside zoning consultant (Barry Izette) as zoning officer effective Sept. 1 to help catch up permit turnaround. Board members emphasized the need for clear accounting and good data before finalizing budgets and capital‑project reconciliations.
The board did not take formal action on audit recommendations at the meeting; staff said the exploratory report will return with findings and likely next‑step recommendations.
