Monticello Fire District adopted unrealistic budgets, state audit says

MONTICELLO – The board of the Monticello Joint Fire District adopted unrealistic budgets that contributed to the growth of a total fund balance by 21 percent to $1.6 million between 2014 and 2016, according to an audit by the state comptroller’s office.
The report also said district officials have not established levels of fund balance to be maintained or thresholds for reserves and although the board established financial and internal audit policy that would provide mitigating controls to safeguard district money, the board was not following it.
Key recommendations included that the board adopt reasonable budgets that more accurately reflect historical trends and known future needs in actual expenses; develop a fund balance policy; and review, revise and follow the comprehensive financial and internal audit policy.
In the district’s response, Dean Gilmore, chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, wrote they have “begun the process of implementing measures to improve the district’s management and oversight of the district’s fiscal affairs as outlined in your recommendations.” The board’s audio response also serves as the corrective action plan, he said.