Andrew Forliti, Smith Schafer, appeared before the city council on April 24 to present the city’s 2022 financial audit.
“Thanks to Stephanie for all her work throughout the year and providing us with information. It is very helpful to have accurate information,” expressed Forliti.
As with 95% of city audits conducted by the CPA firm, Forliti noted that Caledonia received one finding, “lack of segregation of accounting duties” due to it being a small office. This is the same finding that has been noted in previous Caledonia financial audit reports.
The last page of 44 pages spells out six key points identified in the presentation. Forliti noted the first bullet point, the unassigned fund balance in the general fund of $1,170,723.00 is 55% of the 2022 general fund expenditures, illustrating that the city is in a healthy position. Other highlights of the report include: LGA contributes more governmental revenue than property taxes; ambulance/fire building and East Grove/South Marshall Street had deficit fund balances in 2022; debt outstanding, net discount, governmental – $1,784,314.00, enterprise – $3,845,586.00. All bond payments were made on a timely basis; water, sewer, dump, electric, stormwater, and liquor funds are generating sufficient cash flow to service outstanding bonds and maintain cash reserves; liquor fund reported a net increase of $3,805.00, including transfer out of $25,000.00 to the pickleball courts. The fund has a cash balance of $143,791.00.
The mayor called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Schroeder led his fellow council members and visitors in the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was approved as written. The minutes from the March 27 regular city council meeting were approved with one correction, Tim not Jim Schieber.
Council members in attendance include Amanda Ninneman, Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder, David Fitzpatrick, and Ryan Stenzel. Council members absent include Robert (Bob) Klug.
In one unanimous vote the council approved the consent agenda – a temporary liquor license for Founder’s Days on June 17; a sign permit to update the 128-square-foot sign at Sleepy Hollow Chevrolet, 205 N. Kingston, value $1,375.00; hire Julian Moen as a lifeguard for the 2023 summer session; and purchase a U.S.-made 27” refrigerated merchandiser, total cost $2,941.12, for the liquor store.
City Administrator Jake Dickson informed the council that based on feedback from the community that the city needs to do more outward communication; city administration is in the process of creating a Facebook page. Dickson explained that the swimming pool, liquor store, and police department each have a Facebook page but there is not a page for general government. He plans on having it up quickly. “It is rare for us to get clear deliberate feedback and we heard it, so we are going to do something about it,” explained Dickson. “We want every opportunity to hear from people. So, when we need input, we get it one way or another.”
The downtown street lighting project was awarded to P & T Electric at a total cost of $138,834.00. According to Klug’s staff report, the downtown street lighting project is a part of the downtown reconstruction on S. Marshall and E. Grove St. The city will be replacing the street lighting on S. Kingston for three blocks, S. Pine for one block, W. Washington for one block, S. Marshall for one block and E. Grove for two blocks. The poles will match N. Kingston Street so the downtown will have the same look. The city will order and provide the poles, anchor bolts, and light fixtures. P & T Electric will provide everything else including the labor. Klug said, “We are more than overdue for our downtown street lighting.”
The council approved replacing the 10” gate valve at the water tower for a total cost of $19,500.00. Director Klug explained that the city has received one bid within the last two weeks and does not feel that they will receive any more. The mayor feels that the repairs need to be done immediately, and not wait to see if more bids come in. The quote includes material and the labor. It will take around three weeks to receive the valve and about one week for it to be installed.
In other business, the council reviewed the overtime report for March 20 through April 2. No action required.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
The Local Board of Appeals and Equalization will be held during a special meeting of the Caledonia City Council on Monday, May 1, at 5 p.m. at city hall. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Caledonia City Council is Monday, May 8, at 6 p.m. at the Caledonia City Hall, 231 E. Main Street. The public is invited to attend.
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