White Bluff’s 2011-12 final audit shows more revenue than anticipated, debt reduced

White Bluff received its final audit for the 2011-12 fiscal year and Mayor Linda Hayes called it an excellent report on the town’s finances and management. The report shows the town was able to increase its fund balance by $122,000, which is more than budgeted, while there was a $257,000 reduction in debt. The audit attributes the unexpected surplus in revenue to an improving economy and Hayes said town officials always budget conservatively. The only deficiency cited in the audit is a lack of separation of duties in the town’s accounting and banking processes. It recommends the town strengthen its internal control over cash payments, deposits and accounting. But Hayes said the same deficiency shows up on every year’s audit as well as the audits for most small towns. She said because of the limited number of employees, the town is unable to meet all the recommendations for dividing duties and providing oversight. She said the town already has an outside person come in to review the checkbook balance to provide another layer of oversight. The audit was presented to council members who were asked to review it and be ready to vote on accepting it at the Jan. 8 meeting.