Council O.K.s 2020 Draft Audit
The city of Monticello can check the 2020 audit off its list of needed things to do but the findings were not all good, according to Certified Public Accountant Eon van Wyk.
Mr. Wyk gave a review of the fiscal year (FY) 2020 draft audit and presented those findings to the City Council during Tuesday’s regular meeting. He began by noting that it is quite complicated to understand and complete audits several years removed, as in this case and FY 2021 & 2022 which are to come. As for 2020 the expenditures and transfers out included $2.3 million in the general fund. He noted nine internal controls findings as a result of the audit:
•Timely reporting/audit which has an impact of inaccurate interim reports for decision making.
•No consistent month-end close process.
•Accounts receivable not reconciled.
•Payroll liabilities not reconciled.
•Lack of approval of time sheets and pay rate changes which has an impact of risk that employees are not paid accurately.
•Recorded back-dated checks which has an impact of balance sheet misstatement.
•Disbursement testing revealed missing purchase orders with an impact of unapproved spending
•Terms of lease agreement not followed which has an impact of overstatement of revenue.
•Checks not recorded for the Downtown Development Authority which has a impact of risk of loss from misplacement or appropriations.
In addition to those finding, Mr. Wyk had three compliance findings:
•Expenses were more than appropriations meaning that the expenditures were not available to operate the city.
•Annual budget for special revenue and debt service funds were not approved.
•General fund owes SPLOST fund $260,286 as SPLOST monies were used for sidewalk expenditures. City Manager LaThaydra Sands confirmed Wednesday morning that those monies have already been refunded to SPLOST.
Council approved the draft audit review presented by Mr. Wyk.
Council also approved a request from prospective Mine Lake purchasers for a 120 day extension on the sale. City Attorney Joe Reitman said that he believes the sale of the property depends on the sale of another property owned by the buyers and some environmental issues. The attorney said the decision to extend the contract was completely up to the council—they did not have to accept the extension which would thereby terminate the current sale contract and the council could start the process again. Or council could grant the 120 day extension in good faith that the sale of the property would continue.
Other approved agenda items included:
•Sands Drive Park reservation for a Monticello day Car & Bike Show by Damian Tripp for September 1.
•Purchase of two lawnmowers and one UTV for the city.
•Placing the MEAG Power 2023 year end settlement of $37,517 in the Intermediate Extended Maturity Portfolio.
•Allowing the city manager to attend a Jekyll Island conference October 6-9 for continued finance officer level II certification.
Council members heard from a large contingent of Get Ahead House (GAH) supporters that questioned the 2024 funding reduction from $60,000 to $30,000. With some exceptions, the GAH has been funded at approximately $33,000 each year. Last year when the council voted to defund the Downtown Development Authority that $30,000 was reappropriated to the GAH bringing their total to $60,000. The organization was also funded at $60,000 for the 2022 fiscal year. However, the youth program was relegated back to its pre-2022 budgeted amount for 2024.
Walter Smith, a member of the GAH board of directors, said the organization formed in 1995 under the leadership of former Police Chief Danny Norris and Robert Anderson in order to combat crime rates. In 2009 the GAH achieved 5013C status which allowed them to qualify for grants funds. He said the organization has collaborated with Morehouse College for various grants including a $1.5 million grant over five years. Mr. Smith said the GAH serves the entire city and requested that the council readjust the budget to $60,000 not $30,000 as previously approved.
Jackie Smith, former city council member, addressed the council about the GAH funding. She noted the 2023 and 2024 funding for the organization and also went on to review some of the 2024 budget line items increases such as council travel costs. Ms. Smith asked why would council cut the budget for the GAH afterschool program when several council related line items have increased.
She went on to point out that the program is not only open to black and brown children, but all children. She stated that it’s the parents that make the choice to send their kids there. “While the Get Ahead House is largely minorities, why does that matter?,” she questioned.
Ms. Smith questioned as to why the organization would need an audit on $60,000 and that a meeting on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with city officials needs to be rescheduled.
Juanita Norris, Rural Care Coordinator for Be Fit which is financed through a Morehouse College grant, spoke to the council about her position. She noted that Jasper County is the pilot county for the program which deals with opioid addiction throughout six counties. She wanted to clear up any misconceptions that drug users are in close proximity to the GAH youth. Her office is located at the health department and that is where her clients visit.
Catrona Jones spoke saying that she and her husband recently gained custody of their grandchildren and that the GAH has been extremely helpful. The afterschool program aids with homework, care when they are working, and reading. “The Get Ahead House is a safe haven for the kids.”
Rev. William Gibson encouraged everyone to show love to each other and to stay on one accord as it is pleasing to God.
Roberta Anderson, GAH Director, said that the organization had conceded to all of the requests of the MOU but that the agreement still needed some clarification.
Cynthia Hamm, a teacher at the GAH, said that Jasper County is blessed to have the GAH as Henry County where she comes from doesn’t have anything like that.
The city manager’s report included updates on several items including staff appreciation day.
During Council Comments, Jenny Murphy announced the Cruise-In and Street Eats event on Saturday, July 20.
