Auditor: Seneca's FY2024 audit clean but flags transfer station and internal controls

John Russell of Zwygart & Associates presented the City of Seneca's audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, to the council at its March 10 meeting. Russell reported a clean audit opinion while identifying several operational funding issues that need attention.

Russell said the General Fund showed a negative cash position at year end and that the Street Fund had been carrying that shortfall temporarily. He reported the Water Fund ended the year with a surplus and the Sewer Fund largely operated near break-even when depreciation is excluded. The auditor identified the Transfer Station Fund as the city's greatest concern, saying revenues were not keeping up with operating costs. Russell recommended better allocation of payroll and shared expenses among funds and suggested that a council member review and initial monthly bank statements as an additional internal control measure.

Council members discussed transfer station rates, payroll allocation, and internal controls following the presentation. No formal action was taken on the auditor's recommendations during the meeting; council discussion was recorded but no vote to change rates or adopt a new policy occurred. The council may place any follow-up actions on a future agenda.