Audit report shows IVFD handling finances well
From our weekly issue dated November 21, 2007
“Good job!” was among many positive comments regarding the Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) audit report, received during the IVFD board meeting Thursday night, Nov. 15 at administrative HQ in Cave Junction.
The report was made by Richard W. Brewster, a Medford certified public accountant, engaged by IVFD for its audits. He noted that he was able to give a positive report because of good IVFD staff work including that of Robin Paulson, executive administrator.
Brewster noted that in several categories, IVFD spent less than budgeted for the 2006-07 fiscal year. There was an increase in PERS costs, but he indicated that the rise is common and not cause for concern.
Among plus factors for the past fiscal year: the reserve fund was under spent by $26,000; capital item outlays totaled $95,000 while $197,000 was budgeted; and the material-and-services category was under spent by $12,000.
“This is as good as you can get,” said Brewster, referring to not spending all funding in categories.
He further noted that the district is making good progress toward paying off debts, as planned. The debt payment total is down to $2.9 million from $3.1 million, the accountant said.
“We have a Class I fire district with a shoestring budget,” said Chief Harry Rich.
Brewster was asked by board Vice President Sam Michel what financial accounting rating he’d give the district on a scale of 1 to 10.
“You’re an 8,” Brewster told Michel, who ran the meeting at the request of President Larrick Jones. “I just wanted to see his style,” said Jones after the meeting.
Brewster provided a list of recommendations to further streamline IVFD accounting and meet new state standards. Among the recommendations: evaluate the controls being used, and segregate transactions so that they are not limited to one person handling them all.
“This is to protect the district and the employees,” said the accountant.
In another matter, the board voted 5-0 in favor of annexing several properties. The property owners asked for annexation, and Division Chief/Fire Marshal Jerry Schaeffer recommended approvals.
Involved is a Waldo Road area parcel owned by Cave Junction resident Clifford Keith; a 5-acre parcel and a 15-acre parcel owned by Emroc Enterprises on Indian Creek Road in Selma; and parcels of 5.01 and 5.04 acres in O’Brien in the area of Arrowhead Drive, owned by Robert & Shirley Short.
In other matters the board:
*Heard from the chief that he has received a criminal action subpoena in reference to a case “for the hearing on restitution” by a former employee.
*Was told by Deputy Chief Jeff Gavlik that he’s hopeful the district will receive a grant under SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response). The goal is to attain personnel for 24-hour staffing.
*Got word from Schaeffer that he will be contacting the city of Cave Junction in connection with some streets that are nonstandard for fire equipment.
*Was advised by Rich that Maintenance Battalion Chief Kris Sherman and Volunteer Lt. Kamron Ismalli are in Mississippi preparing to drive back with a new tender paid for mostly by a grant.
*Listened as Rich advised that he is working on a presentation for January about response criteria.
*Received a glowing letter of thanks from Selma residents Randall & Kass Lubin for the IVFD response at their cabin on Sept. 19. The letter included, “We love you guys; brave, fearless, professional, kind. May God bless and watch over you forever.”
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