Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to ensure that District controls were adequate to ensure that financial activity is properly recorded and reported and that District moneys are safeguarded. Our audit covered the period January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013.

Background

The Conesus No. 1 Fire District is located in Livingston County and is governed by the Board of Fire Commissioners comprising five elected. The District’s 2014 budget totaled $132,602, funded through real property tax revenue.

Key Findings

• Although the Board has adopted a code of ethics and purchasing and investments policies as required, the policies are not regularly reviewed and are outdated. Further, the Board has not adopted other policies or procedures for financial operations such as cash receipts and disbursements, claims processing and information technology. As a result, the Board did not adequately segregate the Treasurer’s duties or implement sufficient compensating controls.
• The Treasurer did not perform formal written bank reconciliations.

Key Recommendations

• Adopt an adequate system of internal controls, including policies and procedures for segregation of duties, annual review of the procurement and investment policies, timely annual audits and the use of reserve funds.
• Prepare formal written bank reconciliations.