Editor, The Spotlight:
The Town of Ballston has not conducted an external audit since former supervisor, Ray Callahan, left four years ago. I have found no evidence of an internal audit being performed during this time period although I could be mistaken as Town of Ballston financial records are not readily accessible. I believe that the lack of an audit in any single year, let alone four years, is most likely a violation of state law.
Unfortunately, the lack of an audit is not an oversight by the town. The Supervisor, Patti Southworth, in her annual report to the state has indicates every year that she has “not had and external audit” and that she ”intends to have an external audit”. I informed the supervisor of this auditing issue last week in a document that also discusses long term capital planning, long term financial planning and interim reporting. I have received no response from the Supervisor on this issue and heard nothing about an audit at last night’s board meeting.
One would think that in light of the unfortunate situation at the Charlton Fire Department that all government entities would be looking to verify that they are doing everything possible to safeguard our money. I should mention that I believe that all town employees are of the highest integrity, including our supervisor, but an audit can verify we are handling finances correctly and possibly find some areas for improvement. I call on every resident of the town to insist on a Town of Ballston audit. It’s just good business.
William Goslin
Burnt Hills
