By Jackolyn Houghton
An audit of the Town of Hoosick’s financial practices which the State Comptroller’s office has been working on for over a year was released to the public recently, and it was a topic of conversation at the Town Board’s meeting on Monday, May 8.[private] The audit, which covered the period from January 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016, faulted the Town on two issues: inadequate safeguards in the handling of cash collected at the pool and the skating rink, and misallocation of sales tax revenue received from Rensselaer County.
The auditors found some discrepancies between total sums deposited and sums recorded in the records of the pool and the skating rink. The report said, “These discrepancies occurred because the Town did not require employees collecting cash to maintain adequate records of collections or provide for oversight such as an independent reconciliation of collections and deposits. As a result, the Town lacks assurance that all collections were deposited intact and is at an increased risk that collections could be lost, stolen or misappropriated.”
The Comptroller said the Town Board should require that detailed records be kept of cash collection including the source, date, amount, purpose, and form of payment, and reconcile collection records on a daily basis, and make a daily bank deposit.
Surdam mentioned last month that he has been working with the pool manager and Town Bookkeeper Emily Sanders to set up better procedures for handling cash, and he had more to say about it this month. He said that Leo McGuire would be back as operational support staff, and also appointed Leo Surdam as the Concession Supervisor, noting that he would assist with the accounting aspect of the pool. He said the Town would be purchasing a register for use at the pool. He said the auditors seemed to be in agreement with this response.
The other problem pointed out by the audit was the way sales tax revenue was handled. Because both the Town of Hoosick and the Village of Hoosick Falls receive sales tax distributions, the Town’s sales tax revenue should be credited to the fund that covers the part of the Town outside of the Village. During the period of the audit, it was credited to the fund that covers all of the Town of Hoosick, and the auditors pointed out that this is incorrect. The audit said, “Town taxpayers with real property located in the Village have received an extra benefit from sales tax distributions from the County at the expense of taxpayers with property located outside the Village.”
To correct this, the Town Board passed a resolution changing how it handles the funds in question, and will be devising a plan to reimburse the fund covering property outside the village for inequities caused by the misallocation that has occurred over the past few years.
The Audit report can be found on the Town’s web site.
Playground Renovations
Jean Andrick, the Kiwanis Club President, reviewed the vandalism issue at the playground. She said that the majority of the vandalism had been cleaned up and that only a couple of issues remained. She then asked the Board to approve Highway Superintendent Bill Shiland’s efforts to remove a wall from the entrance of the playground which is located parallel to the athletic fields. Andrick said that the playground committee will begin fundraising efforts for work planned at the playground. Wendy Larson then asked Board members to meet at the playground to go over the building plans in detail. A meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, May 9.
Gail Smith spoke on behalf of Voice for Vets. She explained that the program adopts deceased veterans for recognition of their time served. Smith said that the program has established a permanent memorial place on the lawn of Maple Grove Cemetery and that Hoosick Historical Society has received a monetary donation that allows a dedication ceremony to be set for August 12, 2017. There are 30 men that have already been adopted. Smith encourages Hoosick community members to adopt the remaining 70 men in time for the dedication ceremony. Deadline to adopt a Veteran is August 12.
Youth Center Revival
After HAYC3 consolidated all of its operations in the Armory, a new group is taking charge of the old “Youth Center.” Penny Acree, speaking on behalf of the Town of Hoosick Community Center, Inc., discussed plans to revitalize the building located at 115 Church Street, in the village of Hoosick Falls. She said the plan was to bring the building back to it’s former “Leo Days.” The group is asking for Town assistance to bring the chimney up to code and assist with the eaves and roof. In order for the building to become utilized those items must be rectified. The plan will be for the “Youth Center” to work with other area youth programs and the local school systems. They will continue a basketball court for teenagers, game rooms downstairs, and basketball leagues. Acree said that monies will be sought in forms of memberships, grants, sponsorships, and local government help. She also asks for volunteers to assist in the revitalization process. Anyone wishing to get involved can contact Butch Eastman or Penny Acree.
Rick Tinkham addressed the Board with support of the Youth Center and the new group working on it. He said, “I encourage support to help the Youth Center.” Tinkham then addressed concerns about the reevaluation of homes within the town and village and asked that a deeper education about the reevaluation be given to homeowners.. He added that although he thinks it is a great idea, he thinks that it is too soon given the level of the water crisis. He said, “look at the true values of properties and let them fall where they will.” He asked the Board to give an additional twelve months of time, then reevaluate homes. Butch Eastman also addressed the board on this topic, saying he agrees with Tinkham about it being too soon. He urged the Board to delay the revaluation. No comment was made from the Board, but since the revaluation firm has already been hired and the revaluation is in progress, it is unlikely to be delayed.
Supervisor Surdam congratulated Anna Brewer and Sarah Segot on earning the Gold Award, which is the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. A ceremony took place on Sunday, May 7 to recognize their achievement, which was attended by Congressman John Faso.
Highway
Highway Superintendent Bill Shiland said he still has not heard anything on the Cottrell Road bridge, and that the road sweeping was just about complete. He said road maintenance (specifically pothole filling) has been a challenge with the current weather conditions.
Pool Getting Ready
Supervisor Surdam said all of the life guards from last year will be returning. Some of the camp counselors from last year will be returning and new ones would be hired. He said the camp counselors have been encouraged to take a CPR and First Aid course and upon successful completion they will see a slight increase in pay. Surdam asked for a motion to hire a list of summer pool staff and Camp Counselors, which were approved.
Surdam said he and Tom Marciotta have spent a number of hours on two Saturdays working on the chemical distribution system at the pool to improve safety concerns, and they hope to finish the project in a few more hours on one more Saturday.
Surdam said the bath house plans have not yet been received. LaBerge told him they will be ready next week.
Councilman Sheffer reports that the insurance coverage which was proposed would total $31,811.95 and the expiring contract is $31,605.09. This will be an increase of .06%. Sheffer noted that cyber insurance would be an additional $484 and suggested that they opt out for now. [/private]