Town of Collins audit report

comes out clean  

By Richard Westlund
News Correspondent

     Laura Landers, from the firm of Freed, Maxick and Battaglia, CPAs, PC, reported to the Collins Town Council on the 2007.

     According to Landers, all major fund balances were healthy and in good shape. She did mention some deficiencies that are common in smaller towns where they do not have the accounting expertise that may otherwise be available. She did recommend, however, that only one person be in charge and control of receipt books.

     Councilwoman Mary Clark pointed out that when friends or relatives are given even small jobs without competitive bidding, it has the appearance of impropriety and should be avoided.

     Building Inspector Gene Degman reported eight new permits in July for a total of $208,592, of which one was for a new home.

     Town Clerk Becky Jo Summers reported 418 transactions in her office for July for a total of $5,293.75, of which the town’s portion is $4,737.28. She also reported that hunting licenses will go on sale on Aug. 18.

     Town Supervisor Ken Martin said that they are in talks with the Village of Gowanda to work out an efficient and economical solution for the water supply to upper Erie Avenue (beyond the tracks) and Armes Court. A number of suggestions are presently under consideration.

     Councilman Dave Tessemer reported that the project to introduce time clocks for town employees is on schedule for a Sept. 1 startup.

     A request for speed limit reduction on Woodside Road was temporarily tabled for more precise information.

     Resident Margaret Degenfelder asked if anything was going to come of Kevin Gaughan’s recent presentation to the town council. (Gaughan visited the town council June 2 and presented his plan for reducing the size of governments in Erie County. After presenting a number of statistics to illustrate savings, he asked the town council to just hold a public referendum to see if the citizens wished to reduce the size of the town council.) After a number of negative comments from council members regarding the idea, Martin’s answer to Degenfelder was, “Probably not.”

     In other matters, the board:

   •  Adopted local law #1-2008 on flood damage prevention.

   •  Awarded the Ferris lawn mower bid to the highest bidder, the Collins Conservation Club, for $3,377.88.

   •  Accepted the 2007 town financial audit report.

   •  As Matt Wurst has now been certified as a water systems operator, set his salary at $17.30 per hour as of Aug. 3.

     The next regular meeting of the Collins Town Council will be on Monday, Aug. 18 at 7p.m., in the Collins Town Hall.