An audit of the Village of Dundee’s 2009 financial records resulted in an unqualified opinion from CPA Kelly Fitzpatrick of Wheat and Fitzpatrick. In her report to the village board Jan. 12, she explained an unqualified opinion means the auditors found the village’s financial records were in conformity with generally accepted accounting principals.
The audit reveals the village’s assets total about $1.5 million and total liabilities are $474,000. In summarizing village funds, she said the water fund made money and the sewer fund lost money.
She said the village has taken a good step in establishing the length of service retirement fund for active members of the Dundee Fire Department. An additional audit of that fund resulted in a qualified report because some documentation in the early days of the program was incomplete.
She noted that the condition of the records improved over the years.
Other business on the village board’s agenda Jan. 12 included:
• Fire Company: The board unanimously agreed to permit the Dundee Volunteer Fire Department to become incorporated separately from the village. Up to this point, it has been a department of the village.
This incorporation means it will be a stand-alone organization known as the Dundee Fire Company, but, according to Chief Dan Petersen, residents of the fire district will not see changes in service and members/volunteers will not see changes in their roles. The village will continue to own trucks, ambulances and other major pieces of equipment, but the newly formed fire company will have more independence in other financial areas, explains Peterson and long time volunteer and former chief Ray Miller.
• Dundee School Capital Project: The board authorized Mayor Fred Cratsley Jr. and Streets Superintendent Andy Howell to meet with school representatives to discuss trimming trees near the school’s football field and track. The village owns the tree lot northeast of the track and the school would like permission to trim or harvest some trees to facilitate maintenance of the track.
• State Police Barracks: Cratsley explained he’s had discussions with State Police authorities about building maintenence needs at the barracks. He said village crews can complete the work now, while cold weather prohibits other outdoor work.
• Grant: Petersen said the Fire Company has been informed it will receive a $20,000 grant for turnout gear washer and dryer.
• Budget: The board agreed to a temporary policy change limiting discretionary spending by department heads to $250. Purchases costing more than $250 will need board approval. Cratsley said the village’s cash flow typically tightens this time of year.
• Community Health Programs: Lauren Snyder reported the next community meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19 in the Youth Center on Main Street. She said 18 vendors have shown an interest in working together on a store that would sell a variety products made in Dundee. The vendors will meet again on Feb. 2.
• Food Sense: Trustee Judy Duquette reported 97 people used the Food Sense program in January.
