Andrews not in compliance with state

    Andrews – The town’s financial woes continue.
    The Andrews Board of Aldermen voted to rescind an offer of employment to a new finance officer on Jan. 27 after learning the town is not in compliance with the Local Government Budget & Fiscal Control Act.
    Lawmakers hired Missy Allen as the town’s finance officer on Jan. 14, and she was expected to begin work two weeks later. Officials say a certified public accountant with governmental accounting experience reviewed Andrews’ financial records shortly after aldermen voted to hire Allen and found that the town was not in compliance with state law.
    Essentially, the Local Government Budget & Fiscal Control Act outlines the process governments must follow to create and execute an annual budget. The law also delineates proper financial accounting practices, stating that all revenue collections and expenditures must be passed by the governing board through a budget ordinance.
    Town officials declined to elaborate on the compliance issues found by the CPA. However,
a written statement released
by town officials says the state Local Government Commission is aware of the problem. The
town will retain the services
of a certified public accountant with experience in government practices until the issues are resolved.
    “This action is in no way a negative reflection on Ms. Allen’s character or professional reputation,” the press release says. “It
is the hope of the town that she will re-apply for the position at such time as a permanent finance officer can be hired and properly trained.”
    In the meantime, Emily Malin will continue to work triple duty as the town clerk, interim administrator and finance officer.