Municipal officials in Skowhegan are addressing a backlog of financial audits that have accumulated over three years. Town Manager Nicholas Nadeau reported that while there are no indications of discrepancies in the town’s financial records, the delay in audits reflects a broader issue faced by many municipalities in Maine due to a shortage of certified public accountants.
The last completed audit for Skowhegan pertains to the fiscal year ending June 2022 and was finalized in May 2023. Consequently, the town now has pending audits for the fiscal years ending June 2023, June 2024, and June 2025. Audits serve a crucial role by providing both officials and the public with accurate financial information that informs budgeting and identifies any potential issues.
In a recent phone interview, Whitney Cunliffe, chair of the Skowhegan select board, emphasized the urgency of completing these audits. “I’m all for getting those audits done as soon as possible. It’s very important to the town to get their finances in line,” Cunliffe stated.
To expedite the auditing process, Nadeau has engaged the services of By The Books Accounting Solutions, based in Johnson, Vermont. The firm has been tasked with preparing for the fiscal year 2023 audit, quoted at $9,750 for an estimated 65 hours of work. This includes 50 hours dedicated to reconciling records and preparing necessary documentation for auditors.
Nadeau described the initial assessment of Skowhegan’s financial records as encouraging. “It’s very good news: We’re not a mess,” he remarked. He noted that the town’s financial systems are solid, which should facilitate a smoother auditing process and mitigate costs in the long run.
The accounting firm is expected to complete its work by late March 2024. Following this, the timeline for completing the audits for subsequent years remains uncertain and largely depends on the availability of the town’s auditor, Craig Costello of Brantner, Thibodeau & Associates in Bangor. Nadeau highlighted that providing accurate information at the outset will help expedite future audits.
Cunliffe, a retired certified public accountant, reiterated the need for transparency. “Until the audit is done, we won’t know,” he remarked, underscoring the audits’ importance in ensuring fiscal responsibility.
The delays in auditing have been attributed to a shortage of qualified accounting firms, a challenge that rural towns frequently encounter. Over the past few years, Skowhegan has experienced significant turnover in its administration. Former town manager Christine Almand resigned in November 2023 after a prolonged medical leave. Following her departure, Police Chief David Bucknam served as interim manager for six months.
The select board subsequently appointed Dawn DiBlasi, a local attorney and former Somerset County administrator, as the new town manager. However, DiBlasi resigned after just one year. Nadeau joined the team shortly thereafter, initially splitting his time between Skowhegan and another role in Vermont.
Currently, the position responsible for finance and human resources has been vacant for five months, following the resignation of Trisha Austin, who had served since 2014. Nadeau plans to address this vacancy only after the 2023 audit is completed to ensure the incoming hire has a clear starting point. “We don’t want to set someone up to fail,” he stated.
In recent months, Renee Belliveau, who was Austin’s assistant, has been managing the town’s finances alongside Nadeau. The ongoing work to rectify the town’s financial records and complete the pending audits is critical for maintaining public trust and ensuring responsible fiscal management in Skowhegan.
