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Selectboard weighs $250K forensic audit after former manager's arrest
Summary
After the former town manager's arrest residents asked for a forensic audit; the board reviewed six bids, one matching specifications at $250,000 and discussed tax impact (estimated $65 per $100K assessed value) and staffing costs to support an audit.
The Selectboard reopened discussion on Article 2 — a proposed forensic audit requested by residents after the former town manager's arrest. Chair Larry Hebert said six bids were received and one followed the requested scope, with a proposed cost of $250,000 and no firm completion date provided in the bid.
Hebert gave the Selectboard's estimate of the tax impact if the town authorized a $250,000 audit: "The estimate average tax impact of the forensic audit would be: $65.00 per $100K of assessed home value and $163.00 per $250K of assessed home value." Members and attendees engaged in heated discussion about whether the former town manager had access sufficient to embezzle town funds and whether the town would be able to recoup losses if an audit found missing funds. The board reiterated that municipal controls are in place and that the town manager does not alone control funds; details on recovery and staff time required to assist an auditor were described as uncertain or "not specified" in the meeting.
No formal action to contract for the audit was recorded at the meeting; the discussion served to inform voters and clarify potential costs and scope ahead of any vote.
