Harlan Kirgan
Eunice city finances were reported in healthy condition in a audit report delivered by Shirley Vige, CPA, of Vige, Tujague & Noel at Tuesday’s meeting of the mayor and Board of Aldermen.
“The important thing here is you have a positive balance,” Vige said in discussing a general fund balance sheet.
The audit covered the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2017, and provided comparisons to the previous year.
From 2016 to 2017 the general fund balance grew $143,000 to $1,413,290.
Vige pointed out the city’s total cash position for all accounts in 2014, was $6,672,000; in 2015 it was $6,390,000; in 2016 it was $7,330,000; and in 2017 it was $6,782,000.
The major variable in the city’s finances is it spends about $1 million every other year on a street paving program.
There were four findings in the audit. There were:
— Inadequate segregation of functions within the accounting system. Vige said it is common auditing finding is due to the city not having enough staff. The audit determined it may not be feasible to add personnel to correct the finding.
— A budget variance in the St. Landry & Acadia Fire District Fund was noted by a budget amendment. Budget variances of greater than 5 percent require a budget amendment. The city responded that it will make the necessary amendments.
— The city owes $20,113 to the state on the sale of gas. The city did not file a report and send the payment. The city is working on a payment plan with the state.
— The police chief used city funds to buy funeral flowers in the amount of $539. The chief was unaware that the purchase of funeral flowers was not allowable. The city responded it will not use public funds for donations.
Other Board action included:
— Approving hearings that may lead to condemnation of properties at 580 Lewis St., 210 E. Oak St., and 571 Halsey St.
— Reminder of the 5 p.m. Thursday Kiwanis Christmas Parade.
— Approval of an agreement with the town of Erath to accept the city’s old computers.
— Two resolutions for airport improvements that include LED runway lighting and solar-power LED taxiway reflectors.
— Naming Marion “Nootsie” Sattler as mayor pro-tem. He succeeds Jack Burson in the position.
— Approved a alcoholic beverage permit for Monica West doing business as Pelican Restaurant.