Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Audit And Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Orange Select Board accepts audit showing prior-year accounting errors, approves DRA filings
Summary
The Orange Select Board accepted Roberts & Greene audit reports documenting misstatements that overstated the 2023 Unassigned Fund Balance and approved submission of MS-535 and MS-60 to the DRA, directing follow-up with the town lawyer to review budget options.
The Orange Select Board on Oct. 21 accepted audit reports from Roberts & Greene that identified misstatements in prior-year accounting and approved required filings with the Department of Revenue Administration.
Catherine Souza, the town secretary, presented auditors’ findings and told the board that the 2023 Unassigned Fund Balance had been overstated as $325,663 when the correct figure was $-7,415 and that the current 2024 Unassigned Fund Balance is $-54,961. She said auditors flagged the recording of anticipated FEMA receipts and the related loan as central issues in the prior-year accounting.
After discussion, Select Board member Samara Pitre moved to accept the MS-535 Financial Report of the Budget as prepared by Roberts & Greene and to have the board consult the town attorney and review the current-year budget for cost-avoidance options; Lucy LaChance seconded. The motion passed 2-0-0. Catherine Souza was directed to submit the signed MS-535 to the Department of Revenue Administration.
The board also reviewed and voted to accept the MS-60 Report of Locally Elected Auditors prepared by Roberts & Greene and to implement its recommendations. The MS-60 motion was offered by Lucy LaChance, seconded by Samara Pitre, and approved 2-0-0.
The board did not take any immediate budget-line votes at the meeting; members instructed staff to consult legal counsel and return with recommended next steps and potential budget adjustments.
