By JIM BUTLER

An indication of problems encountered in the latest Boyce audit is it is for the year ending May 31, 2023.

Rozier, McKay & Willis reports being unable to obtain sufficient appropriate data to provide a basis for an audit opinion.

And the auditors as well as the town raise the possibility of it being no longer able to operate relatively soon.

The upside: since those September 5 conclusions, posted this week, the town has authorized start of the process to build a new town hall and is applying for funding to upgrade its water system.

Current town officials took office after Fall 2022 elections, about three-quarters of the way through the fiscal year just audited.

Responding to auditors’ litany of adverse remarks they note internal changes made since or under way as a result of the findings.

All concerned acknowledge the elephant in the room — about $1.13 million the state Municipal Police Employees Retirement System claims it is owed by the town.

MPERS is also pursuing additional claims associated with the February 2024 of the layoff of all police other than the elected chief.

(The retirement system is not new to pursuing cities, towns and villages for alleged contribution improprieties.)

The town contracted with the Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement following the layoffs.

According to the audit report, town officials have serious doubts about the town’s ability to operate should MPERS prevail in court, as do the auditors. 

But life goes on – the town will apply this month for a Community Development Block Grant of $2 million for water system improvements. Public comment is being received through December 13.

(The audit report shows the water system with $167,000 revenue and $288,000 expenses in themJune 1, 2022-May 31, 2023 fiscal year.)

Pan American Engineers recently received the go-ahead to seek a 75/25 grant for a new town hall.

The audit indicates total town revenue was $3.5 million in the 12 months reviewed and expenses were $3.8 million.