Selectboard approves temporary accountant to close out Sage system ahead of audit

Mount Vernon’s selectboard voted to hire a temporary accountant to finish closing out the town’s Sage accounting system so the annual audit can be completed.

The board discussed that Dorcas, the town treasurer, needs assistance to finish the Sage closeout and stabilize TRIO. The board reported they have identified a candidate who would provide about 200 hours of work at $30 per hour, for an estimated total of about $6,000. A member moved to sign the contract; the motion was seconded and the board approved the hire with a recorded vote of five in favor.

Board members said the work is intended to complete last fiscal year’s closeout and allow the audit to proceed. One member noted progress made on TRIO and described the accountant as a short-term, task-specific hire.

The board did not specify a contract start date in the public discussion; members said they would provide a subsequent update after confirming details with the candidate and the treasurer. The board also discussed timing for related budget and town-report tasks tied to the audit schedule.

The board is expected to follow up with the treasurer and provide details to the public when the contract is finalized.