State Auditor Nicole Galloway released a follow-up report on the village of Ferrelview in Platte County on Monday, Dec. 16.
An audit released in March detailed significant financial concerns, failure to complete long-range planning in critical areas of need, and lack of oversight over village operations. The follow-up review found the village implemented some changes to improve financial planning, but that more can be done to better serve taxpayers.
The audit in March found the village was in poor financial condition and recommended closely monitoring the village’s finances and reducing spending. To supplement the general fund and balance the budget, the village had been relying on transfers from restricted funds. The Board of Trustees is now monitoring the village’s finances more closely, has consolidated city-paid positions to reduce payroll costs and no longer compensates trustees. However, transfers are still being made from the water and sewer fund to the general fund and supporting documentation for these transfers was not maintained.
The audit also found village streets in poor condition with little money spent on repair or maintenance since 2015. The follow-up report found a street maintenance plan has not been developed, although a spreadsheet showing necessary maintenance needs for village streets has been developed by the village clerk. Officials are in the process of prioritizing future repairs.
In an effort to address insufficient oversight of the payroll processes, the village now requires timesheets for all employees. An employee handbook has been approved by the board and there are plans to further update compensation ordinances.
The follow-up report evaluated 21 total recommendations and determined seven had been implemented, six were partially implemented and four were in progress. The recommendations for four findings had not been addressed and there were no plans to do so.