Town finances: Tighter in 2011

FALLS VILLAGE — At the regular monthly meeting Monday, Feb. 8, the Board of Finance voted to ask both auditor Mike Zemaitis and his former employer, Meyers and Co. of Danbury, for proposals for the town audit.

Lou Timolat, co-chairman of the finance board, said that sometimes towns change auditors to avoid the relationship from becoming too “collegial.�

The board is interested in hearing what the two parties can offer the town and will consider one-, two- or three-year deals.

The board heard a draft of a letter written by Timolat to the Board of Education about surpluses, asking that any unspent funds not be applied to specific departments but instead be returned to the town’s general fund.

Timolat said he was concerned the public might be confused as to the actual costs of running a specific department otherwise.

“It’s not meant to be critical — any department that operates efficiently is to be congratulated,� he added.

Chuck Lemmen said the letter should be addressed to all town boards and commissions, not just the Board of Education. A motion to that effect passed unanimously.

Timolat also brought up the subject of the Water Commission’s administrative functions. Zemaitis has recommended that the Water Commission have a budget, a capital reserve and the other administrative functions of any town department.

But the Water Commission is an unusual case. Created by a Special Act, it  has operated for years as a quasi-independent entity.

Timolat, referring to the Connecticut General Statutes, said he believed at a minimum that any “orders� (i.e. checks) written by the Water Commission should go through the selectmen’s office.

Timolat said he was concerned about what he called “significant liability� for the town as a result of the legal muddle.

But First Selectman Pat Mechare demurred, saying that town counsel had opined that such action is unnecessary.

The Water Commission is scheduled to meet Feb.18; Lemmen, who is on the commission, said that administrative reforms are on the agenda.

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