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Council on Aging raises concerns after town changes account numbers and reduces allocations
Summary
Board members said town account coding changed and that the center's allocation appears reduced by about $2,000; treasurer reported difficulty obtaining reconciled account information and members asked staff to seek clarity from the town administrator.
Members of the Town of Hubbardston Council on Aging raised concerns during the meeting about new town account numbers and what they described as a reduction in the center's allocation.
The treasurer reported past and current allocations aloud. Members said the town previously provided roughly $6,000 split across supply and service accounts; under the new coding the funds appear split into smaller line items (members cited items such as $3,000 for repairs and maintenance, $500 for supplies and $500 for programs) and the board said that looks like a $2,000 reduction. Treasurer Ken Horvath stated, "So they cut us by $2,000." Secretary Mel Shaughnessy and other members said the group has had difficulty reconciling the town's account numbering and asked staff to obtain a clear reconciliation from the town administrator.
Board members said the town accountant only works one day a week and that one board member (Amy) will meet with the accounting contact next Tuesday to obtain account details. The board emphasized it needs to confirm balances so the council can plan programs and pay bills.
Why it matters: Members said the change affects programming and planning; the board asked for reconciled account balances and clearer labeling from the town so their budget records match municipal records.
Next steps: staff will follow up with the town administrator and the accounting contact; the board said it will report back when reconciled numbers are available.
