A forensic audit proposal sparked debate among council members and attendees. The proposal, highlighted as a necessity by the Citizens Budget Advisory Board (CBAB), aimed to examine the municipality’s financial practices and address historical issues with fund management. A member of the CBAB emphasized the importance of a comprehensive audit, referencing past noncompliance and financial inaccuracies that could potentially impact taxpayer trust. The estimated cost for a multi-year forensic audit was stated to be approximately $100,000, a figure that some council members questioned, recalling previous discussions where audit costs were projected at around a million dollars.

The council’s discussions revealed differing opinions on the scope and necessity of the audit. One council member expressed skepticism. They argued that the current rationale lacked clarity and questioned whether an all-encompassing audit was warranted. In contrast, others supported the audit.

Concerns about past financial management practices were also discussed. The CBAB cited previous audits that identified issues with fund tracking and the absence of satisfactory responses from township staff. One council member raised the potential risks associated with prior management and referenced a Comptroller’s Report that highlighted compliance issues. They argued for the audit’s necessity to recover improper payments and rectify compliance issues, emphasizing the importance of reviewing past practices for the benefit of taxpayers.

The council also deliberated on how to budget for the forensic audit. Various members proposed different figures for the 2025 budget, with suggestions ranging from $75,000 to a more substantial allocation, depending on future demands. Some members expressed concerns about auditing years further back in time, questioning whether the focus should be on current and future financial management rather than past practices.

Throughout the discussion, the need for a clearly defined scope of work for the audit was emphasized to avoid misunderstandings and ensure effectiveness. The council recognized the importance of a collaborative approach, stressing the need for communication and shared goals between the council and administration.

In addition to the forensic audit debate, the meeting addressed budget allocations and personnel matters. A motion to add $75,000 to the budget was approved, with the majority of council members consenting. However, questions arose about the council’s influence over personnel compensation due to the township’s government structure, particularly concerning a proposed salary increase for the Assistant Business Administrator. Some council members hesitated to approve the budget page related to salaries, citing ongoing discussions about other financial matters.

The meeting also touched on unresolved issues concerning Information Technology salaries, prompting further examination of contractual agreements. Despite differing opinions, the council managed to reach a consensus on certain budget pages, moving forward with their approval.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council considered scheduling a follow-up session to address unresolved matters, with a preference for an in-person meeting to ensure full participation. The meeting concluded on a lighter note, with council members discussing celebratory plans for a colleague’s upcoming birthday.