Village of Shortsville – Board Oversight (2015M-5)

Issued Date
May 22, 2015

Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to review the Board’s oversight of the Village’s financial operations and financial condition for the period June 1, 2013 through October 31, 2014.

Background

The Village of Shortsville is located in the Town of Manchester, Ontario County, and has a population of approximately 1,440. The Village is governed by an elected three-member Board of Trustees. Budgeted appropriations for the 2014-15 fiscal year totaled approximately $1.6 million.

Key Findings

  • The Board did not conduct or provide for an annual audit of the Clerk-Treasurer’s books and reports.
  • Village officials consistently adopted budgets that underestimated revenues and overestimated appropriations.
  • The Board has not developed a comprehensive long-term financial plan.

Key Recommendations

  • Audit the Village’s annual financial report and supporting books annually, or engage the services of an independent public accountant to do so.
  • Develop and adopt annual budgets with realistic estimates which are supported by historical data, trends and other applicable sources of information.
  • Develop comprehensive long-term financial plans for all Village funds.