Charleston council unanimously hires DS Accounting Services as town accountant

Charleston — The Town Council voted unanimously on March 5 to hire Dave Sanderson of DS Accounting Services as Charleston’s new town accountant. The council approved the hire after discussing lingering questions about the February financial reports and the need for experienced reconciliation and year-end audit support.

Mayor Doug Clements introduced the proposal and said Sanderson "brings a lot of experience and knowledge" from work with special service districts and other municipalities. Council member Scott Solum moved to hire Sanderson and Don Sant seconded; a roll-call vote recorded each member voting aye.

Council members said the accountant will handle checking reconciliation, balance transfers and assist with year-end balances and the upcoming audit. Mayor Clements framed the hire as a practical step to bring consistent accounting and to support the treasurer and clerk in closing the fiscal year.

The action followed a brief review of the February financials earlier in the meeting, which the council also approved. The newly approved contract will allow the town to proceed with reconciliations and to prepare more robust financial reporting ahead of the annual audit.