03/28/2024
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By Erin Smith

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The Bladenboro Town Board got good news with regard to the annual audit report. Bryon Scott of Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams and Company in Elizabethtown, presented the audit to the board during Monday night’s meeting.

Scott told the board the town has a total amount in the general fund of $447,000 which is an increase over last year. He said the revenue for the general fund did drop from $1.6 million to $1.3 million and he explained some of the revenue from the year prior was FEMA reimbursements and fire district money that was received.  The town has a fund balance in the general fund of about $560,000.

In the water and sewer fund the fund balance is $289,000 and revenues increased to $598,000. Expenditures increased slightly said Scott. He said there was a deficit in the water and sewer fund of $81,000 which is an improvement over last year.

“You’re  moving in the right direction,” said Scott.

The town’s fund balance is $ 5.75 million which is also an increase over last year.

“The fund balance is not as bad off as it was in the past. So, you’re doing everything you can to continue to build that,” said Scott.

Scott said that he and his staff have to render an opinion of the town’s financial situation. He said the opinion he rendered is an unmodified opinion which is the best opinion a local government can receive.

Scott stated there were no changes to the accounting policies. He added there was one finding regarding internal controls and that is segregation of duties. Scott said that is because there are only two people working in the town’s accounting department and it is not feasible for the town to hire additional staff.

In other business:

*The board voted unanimously to approve compliance plans for the Community Development Block Grant Infrastructure Project.

*Lt. Kevin Rouse was recognized for earning his Advanced Law Enforcement Certification. He was presented his certificate by Chief William Howell. Lt. Rouse said it took him 14 years to complete all of the requirements for the certification.

*Sherry Lanier was recognized for earning her Wastewater Grade 1 Biological Operator certification. She was presented her certificate by Mayor Rufus Duckworth.

*The board voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the engineering agreement for the Wastewater System Asset Management Grant.

*The board voted unanimously to approve a resolution for the creation and dedication of Bladenboro Veterans’ Memorial Park.

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