Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to review the Village’s procedures over the collection of cash receipts for trash bag sales and the summer recreation program to ensure accountability and examine the Board’s oversight of Village operations for the period June 1, 2013 through April 14, 2015.

Background

The Village of Hunter is located in the Town of Hunter in Greene County. The Village, which has approximately 500 residents, is governed by an elected three-member Board of Trustees. Budgeted appropriations for the 2014-15 fiscal year were $904,278.

Key Findings

• There were no procedures for the reconciliation and reporting of cash receipts from trash bag sales to residents used to pay for their refuse pickup service or for Program fees.
• The Board does not receive interim financial or operating reports, bank statements or bank reconciliations from the Treasurer.
• The Board does not provide for an annual audit of the Treasurer’s financial reports.
• Board minutes do not contain a resolution listing employee wages and salaries, nor does the budget include a schedule of wages and salaries as required by New York State Village Law.

Key Recommendations

• Establish policies and procedures for the reconciliation and reporting of cash receipts from trash bag sales and Program fees.
• Ensure financial and operating reports, bank statements and bank reconciliations are received from the Treasurer and reviewed throughout the year.
• Comply with Village Law by auditing, or causing to be audited, the annual Treasurer’s financial report.
• Ensure that the Board minutes contain a resolution listing employee wages and salaries or that the approved budget contains such a schedule. Information should include pay rate changes, seasonal appointments, seasonal hires and annual appointments.