Auditors: Isle La Motte "running a tight budget" but overall in good shape; three management recommendations

Heather Hunter, auditing director for RHR Smith, presented the results of the audit to the Isle La Motte Selectboard on Oct. 20 and described the town's finances as "running a tight budget but that overall it is in good shape." She told the board the audit produced three management recommendations: that invoices be approved by the Selectboard before payment; that any outstanding issued but uncashed checks be cleared from the system; and that the town adopt several formal policies, for which sample templates are available on RHR Smith's website.

Hunter opened a PowerPoint describing the roles and responsibilities of town staff and auditors and stressed that the recommendations are management items intended to strengthen controls and recordkeeping. Board members asked clarifying questions about account naming in the report and where specific funds—such as the permanent fund and ARPA monies—appear on the financial statements.