Clifton council reviews financial reports, hears budget hearing comment about audit and approves attorney invoice

At the May 5, 2015 meeting, Clifton Treasurer Marilyn Barton presented financial reports for the period ending April 30, 2015, including cash balances, profit-and-loss summaries and notes about revenue timing. The Treasurer's materials show checking and savings totals across accounts and explain the primary causes of a year-to-date shortfall, including delayed sales-tax receipts.

During Public Hearing #2 on the fiscal-year-2016 budget, a nonresident accountant identified as Lisa Gables asked whether the town's $7,500 fee was for a review or a full audit and whether the auditor prepared tax returns. Council members and staff said Anderson & White performed a full audit and noted that while towns with populations under 3,500 are not required to audit, Clifton elected to perform audits after a prior incident to ensure transparency. As the clerk recorded, "the audit report is available to the public once the Council approves it."

After discussion, the council moved to close the public hearing on the budget and later voted to approve the Treasurer’s financial reports as presented. The council also approved payment of a February 2015 invoice from the Town Attorney for $5,050. Council members described the attorney's work as covering two investigations related to the Main Street Pub and outdoor music, drafting the Virginia Storm Water Management MOU with Fairfax County, zoning questions, and work on brewery-related matters.

The council approved the Treasurer's report and the attorney invoice by unanimous vote on roll calls recorded in the minutes. The Treasurer’s materials also noted ongoing efforts to collect outstanding Haunted Trail IOUs and that some event revenues are recorded after the close of the month, affecting timing in the reported figures.