Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to determine if the Board properly developed budgets, including using fund balance and reserves to finance operations, for the period January 1, 2012, to March 14, 2013.

Background

The Grahamsville Fire District is a district corporation of the State, distinct and separate from the Town of Neversink, and located in Sullivan County. The Board of Fire Commissioners consists of five elected members and is responsible for the District’s overall financial management. The District’s general fund budget totaled $166,000 for the 2013 fiscal year.

Key Findings

• The Board has not properly developed annual budgets. As of the fiscal year ended 2012, the unexpended surplus fund balance was about 47 percent of the total ensuing year’s expenditures and the reserve balance was over $175,000.
• The Board opted to transfer $10,000 of surplus to an existing reserve account. However, the District has not formally established reserve funds.

Key Recommendations

• Develop accurate budgets that include all known revenues and expenditures and identify future capital maintenance and acquisition needs and financing requirements. Use the unexpended surplus fund balance in a manner that benefits District taxpayers.
• Ensure that reserve funds are established, funded and used in accordance with all related statutory provisions.