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The finances of Walgett Shire Council were in the spotlight at Council’s June meeting.
It was not until late March/April that it became evident that $M2.3 had been over-budgeted in 2000/2001 and restraints needed to be put in place.
:On the positive side we are on top of the deficiencies and it would have been worse if not detected,” said General Manager Vic North.
“The figure has been drawn into $376,000 to June 30. The un expected redundancies had contributed to this figure,” he said.
The incomplete auditor’s report was of concern to Councillor Mitchell who asked when it could be expected.
Council’s accountants had responded to repeated questions from the Auditors and expected it would be available within two weeks.
An itemised list of reserves and loans requested by Councillor Mitchell was to be made available for Thursday’s meeting.
Ensuring that the auditors signed off on 2000/2001 was a priority for Councillors.
“We are entering a positive stage. Previously we were using contract people who were not looking at the total time. We are making sure it will be right in future years,” said Vic North.
“We can’t just blame the auditors, it has been difficult. Council must look at itself,” said Councillor Friend.
“:We need to move forward and report against budget lines on a monthly basis,” said the General Manager.
Vic North called upon Councillors not to be too hard upon themselves as there was a need to provide accurate information.
“The systems have not been in place to monitor expenditure,” responded the General Manager, following Councillor Mitchell’s query as to whether there had been a problem with previous staff.
The discussion drew to a close with the General Manager seeking to have the budget submitted to the Auditor late July.
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