Perry Township supervisors receive favorable 2002 audit report
PERRY TWP. – After struggling through financial difficulties in recent years, the township supervisors Tuesday received favorable reviews from an audit conducted for the 2002 fiscal year. The audit, conducted by Jeffrey J. McCue and Associates, found that the township had a surplus of $42,000 in 2002 and carried over about $70,000 to 2003 in the general fund.
McCue told the supervisors that the overall trend of the township’s financial status was positive for the year and that the officials took many steps to secure a financially stable future.
“There were some real positive trends,” McCue said. He said that the township was able to satisfy some liabilities from financial woes in the late 1990s, pay back some grant money, pay unpaid vendors and keep their expenditures consistent.
McCue said the township’s record keeping was in good order.
According to McCue, the township had $655,000 in total revenue in 2002 and $612,000 in expenses. In comparison, the township had $611,000 in total revenue in 2001, with $609,000 in expenditures. McCue said the township was able to pare away debt and reduce expenditures, something Supervisor A.J. Boni said he was happy to see.
“I’m just glad that there were no major problems and that everything went well as usual,” Boni said. “I’m happy that we are in the green and not in the red.”
McCue said the township still owes $80,000 to the Internal Revenue Service, but he noted that an offer submitted to the IRS is still under review.
According to Supervisor Janet Galla, if the IRS accepts the proposal, the township would reduce its debt to $40,000.
Boni said a copy of the audit is available at the township building for residents’ review.
The IRS debt was accrued after the township suffered financial failures in the late 1990s. An independent audit conducted by Cypher and Cypher public accountants in 2000 found that internal controls had failed, checks were paid out of incorrect funds and payroll taxes went unpaid. In addition, the report found that former Supervisor Rich Uhrin, in his capacity as secretary-treasurer, was overpaid $359,225 and current Supervisor Adam Muccioli was overpaid $36,126 for his former position as township roadmaster.
The township also conducted the following business:
– Heard complaints from area residents about speeding vehicles along Tony Row Road. Boni said he will contact the state police about the matter. He also said that he will contact the state Department of Transportation about posting speed limit signs on the road.
– Announced that the hard-to-recycle drop-off will be held June 14 at the Fayette County Fairgrounds.
– Informed residents that 2,200 feet of Greenfield Road will be resurfaced and the entire length of Barney Road will receive a double seal coat.
– Rescheduled their next meeting from July 1 to July 8 at 7 p.m. at the township building.