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Collins Center flags accounting deficiencies; FinCom weighs hiring outside consultants
Summary
The Collins Center identified missing reconciliations and other accounting deficiencies; FinCom discussed an estimated $100k–$200k warrant article to hire consultants to train staff, reconcile books and clear backlogs before FY27 closes.
FinCom members discussed findings and recommendations from the Collins Center, which emphasized the priority of rectifying accounting department deficiencies—most notably the lack of monthly reconciliations that have contributed to delays in closing Fiscal Year 2025. Chair Nancy Gilfoy reported that preliminary discussions with the Town Administrator, Collins Center representatives and FinCom raised the prospect of hiring an outside accounting firm to train staff and complete backlogs at a low, rough cost estimate of $100,000–$200,000 to be proposed as a FY27 warrant article.
The Collins Center report, as described in the meeting, also recommended better use of current technology, staff training, and consolidating town staff into a single location (either an existing building or rented space) rather than incurring new debt for a new Town Hall. FinCom members cautioned that the town should not take on additional debt and emphasized the need for timely Free Cash, levy and revenue information to support budget season decisions.
FinCom asked the new Finance Director Elena De Foe about missing budgets and noted FY25 was not yet closed; the committee plans a Collins Center presentation at a joint FinCom/Select Board meeting in early March to clarify scope, cost and recommended next steps. Members also debated the committee’s appropriate role—whether to recommend staffing reductions or leave personnel decisions to the Select Board and department leadership.
