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Taylors Falls is  catching up on addressing simple accounting findings that audits have partially attributed to staffing turmoil in city hall a few years ago.  The last two yearly audit reports, contrary to main street rumor, have not revealed any deep concerns about funds, their use or the city’s fiscal security. The city did overspend its budgeted $802,000 by about $60,000, however.  

The carryover or balance which serves as a cushion for gaps between when taxes are dispersed;  is back down to 27 percent of annual expenditures from 30 percent in 2023.

The independent city library, Wannigan Days, Economic Development, Community Center and small cities grant accounts all have maintained their balances.

An entry error and some long uncashed checks were serving as  nagging issues.  In presenting the 2024 audit to the city council last week, Abdo senior associate John Stachel explained that current city staff have been very helpful in assisting with the latest audit.  And ongoing findings— like Taylors Falls having less than ideal separation of duties, for example, are to be expected when the staffing numbers are small.

Council heard it could be wise to have department liaisons set up regular submittals of invoices and bills, so bills don’t go unpaid.

Taylors Falls is also addressing a concern over long- outstanding checks from years ago. Council was told the funds need to be remitted to the state Dept. of Commerce for processing as unclaimed property. Cities aren’t allowed to wait for checks to be cashed beyond three years.

A few random city bills scrutinized in the audit process, that were unpaid within 35 days, will see a tightened response.    

In addition to suggestions from the Abdo firm on how to remediate these issues— Council member Tim Grote noted there is also a council-imposed $1,500 limit on purchases by department heads. 

A suspected typo in long-ago personnel entering funds into an incorrect account number, which ended up affecting a $53,000 budget for Heritage Park,  was found and fixed by a transfer motion. Council member Grote pointed out audit scrutiny is doing what it’s supposed to be doing.

Taylors Falls council voted 5-0 to close out a number of non-active funds and consolidate others.  The smallest fund amounts left in the public works vehicle account and a revolving sewer improvement fund, both at $81.  One of two numbered “park funds” is unneeded and was closed and a $250 transfer was approved for the park account left from another line.

Abdo’s presentation is on the Taylors Falls website.

Additional agenda items at last week’s meeting that didn’t involve cannabis licenses and the sale of the MNDOT lot (story Press May 1) was:

~ Approval to buy a used public works utility truck, price not to exceed $26,000. The city will sell the two-wheel truck this acquisition is meant to replace.

~ Awarding SealTech to do the intersection at Briar and Locust, on a quote of $9,425.

~ Release $1,500 from budgeted account for each of two tasks to replace the community bulletin board downtown. Wood and hardware  and permanent print materials for inside the display will not run more than $3,000 or $1,500 each.

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