February 5, 2007 State Auditor Tom Salmon Announces Advisory Commission to Improve Government Financial Reporting
MONTPELIER – State Auditor Tom Salmon today announced the creation of a five-member Municipal Advisory Commission. The goal of the Commission is to develop a variety of training and information-sharing programs to help cities and towns improve their accounting and financial reporting.
Salmon named Ernie Saunders of Westminster, president of the New England Municipal Resource Center as chairperson of the Commission, along with members Ruth Woodard, Finance Director of Manchester; Lisa Barrett CPA, Clerk/Treasurer of Lyndonville; John Leisenring, Finance Director, Town of Brattleboro; and John Cushing, Clerk/Treasurer of Milton.
“One of my goals for the State Auditor’s Office is to foster better communication across different levels of government,” Salmon said. “There are many strong financial people in Vermont who know what to do, but they just don’t know each other yet,” he said.
Salmon said another key goal of the group is to suggest ways that cities and towns can work with State officials to promote greater uniformity, integrity and transparency in financial reporting systems. “If we can improve financial reporting across the board, then both town administrators and taxpayers will be better able to analyze and compare financial results and trends in different areas,” he noted.
“There are some towns and cities with very high standards and performance in accounting, budgeting, planning and financial reporting, and it will help all of us to learn more about current best practices and share them with other financial administrators,” said Salmon.
Salmon said organizational details of the Commission and future announcements of training and educational events will be posted on the Auditor’s web site at: www.sao.state.vt.us. People are welcome to provide suggestions and comments via the web site or direct e-mail to the Auditor at auditor@sao.state.vt.us.
“We are hoping to start financial conversations throughout government in Vermont that will result in more accountability, improved resolution of audit findings, and higher financial standards in state and local government,” Salmon said.
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