Town of Battleford practising ‘good financial responsibility’: auditor

While the amount of money coming in from tax bills is up slightly year-over-year, the amount of money owed by individuals through arrears is up by about $11,000, but this was not seen as a major concern by the auditor.

The town’s total financial assets, which calculates the value of items that can be turned quickly for cash, is up to $14.5 million from just $12.9 million in 2016.

The overall financial health or growth of finances is $13 million compared to $12 million the year prior, which demonstrates the town is in a healthy financial position, the auditor said.

Mayor Ames Leslie described the results from the town’s latest audit report for the year ending Dec. 31, 2017, a “roaring success.”

“We are still able to create a surplus and the town was still able to manage its expenses in a way that is according to councils direction,” he said, “and still be able to do some significant infrastructure projects within the community.”

This was the second audit conducted this year, according to Leslie, due to shortfalls of a previous finance director.

According to lawmakers, a 2016 audit showed the town was struggling to collect on outstanding utility bills. The auditor said this has since been corrected significantly, though the amount owing is still slightly higher than the five-year average.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr

by Tyler Marr

Town of Battleford practising ‘good financial responsibility’: auditor

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