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Selectboard orders third‑party forensic audit covering former town manager's tenure
Summary
Board approved a third‑party forensic financial audit from the date Jackie Higgins was hired through Dec. 31, 2025 after debating costs and referencing past spot-check audits.
After discussing prior audits and estimated costs, the Williamstown Selectboard voted to commission a third‑party forensic financial audit covering the period from the hire date of former Town Manager Jacqueline Higgins through Dec. 31, 2025.
Tyler Mitchell moved that "The Town of Williamstown does a third-party forensic financial audit from the time Jackie Higgins was hired as Town Manager to December 31, 2025." Scott McCarthy seconded the motion and the board carried it. Board members referenced a 2009 6% spot-check audit that cost about $6,000 and said a full forensic audit had previously been estimated in the six-figure range; one member estimated, given inflation and scope, that such an audit could approach $200,000 today.
Members discussed that the town currently conducts annual audits and that some internal protections are in place; several said a forensic audit would be costly but that the board would act if the town demanded it. Horace offered to help restart monthly accounting reports to the board to improve ongoing oversight.
