Benson commissioners appoint finance director, approve banking rules and hire accounting firm to finish audit

The Benson Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 on July 8 to adopt a package of finance-related resolutions and to hire an outside accounting firm to assist with completion of the town's 2024 audit.

Interim Town Manager Steven Harrell told the board that the 2024 audit required by the Local Government Commission had not been submitted by the June 30 deadline. Harrell recommended bringing in Greg Eisley Accounting to assess the town’s books and help finish the audit; he suggested using funds budgeted for an executive assistant in the manager’s office for the contract. Commissioner Will Chandler moved to hire the firm; the board approved the motion 5-0.

Under North Carolina General Statute 159, the board adopted Resolution 265-2025 appointing Angie Thornton as finance director and Lisa Eatmon as deputy finance officer; Resolution 266-2025 designating the finance officer and the mayor (and alternates) as authorized check signers; Resolution 264-2025 naming United Community Bank, Truist and North Carolina Capital Management Trust as the town's official depositories; Resolution 263-2025 authorizing use of facsimile signatures when signing checks or preaudit certificates; and Resolution 267-2025 authorizing the finance director to open, change, terminate or modify bank accounts.

The board adopted all five resolutions in a single motion and vote. Harrell said the outside accounting review is intended to determine what remains to finish the audit and to recommend next steps; no contract amount was specified during the meeting.

Next steps: staff will engage the accounting firm to complete the audit work and implement the administrative changes established by the adopted resolutions.