Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to review the Village’s accounting records and reports and to examine the internal controls over the water and sewer receipt process for the period June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2014.

Background

The Village of Bainbridge is located in Chenango County and has a population of approximately 1,350. The Village is governed by an elected five-member Board of Trustees. Budgeted appropriations in the general, water and sewer funds for the 2014-15 fiscal year total approximately $1.1 million.

Key Findings

• The Board did not ensure that the Clerk-Treasurer properly accounted for penalties, that billings were at Board-approved rates and that adjustments were always supported or authorized.
• The Village billed $77,000 more in water and sewer capital assessment charges than was legally allowed.

Key Recommendations

• Provide more routine oversight of the Clerk-Treasurer, who should attend training for municipal accounting and should prepare and provide the Board with complete and accurate financial records and adequate reports.
• The Board should provide more oversight to ensure that water and sewer receipts are properly accounted for.