Auditors give Forsyth a thumbs up

The independent auditor’s report for the Village’s fiscal year ending April 30 was previewed at the Aug. 4 Finance Committee meeting with auditors expressing the opinion that the Village “is in a good situation.”

Auditors from Sikich LLP of Springfield said the main difference between Forsyth and a comparable municipality its same size is the amount of sales tax revenue. It was projected that revenues for the Village “...will continue to be flat-lined due to the economy.” The report noted future Village expenditures have been earmarked for such projects as the continuation of Cox Street and development of a Prairie Winds park and parking lot.

Aside from previewing this report, committee members turned their attention to a discussion of the need for a narrative to accompany the quarterly financial reports that come from the Village administrator who is the budget officer. Trustee and committee chair Steve Hubbard said a $9,000 deficit reported last month makes this narrative “...more crucial if we follow the trend of falling short.” Members agreed that such a document could keep them better informed of Village happenings affecting revenues and would be helpful in analyzing and heading off potential problems in the months ahead.

Auditors also give kudos to Village treasurer
A recent examination of Village Treasurer Rhonda Stewart’s professional financial skills showed that she exceeded expectations of auditors from the firm of Sikich LLP, which prepares the Village’s annual audit.

The auditors said it was rare for a community to take on the challenges presented in the checklist needed to prepare for the audit and praised Stewart for her accomplishments.

Stewart missed only 37 correct responses out of the 627 questions posed and attained a 94 percent score. She also fulfilled an auditing recommendation by successfully completing the end of the year auditor’s adjustments and the capital asset list based on the firm’s recommendation.

Stewart has been Forsyth’s treasurer for the past eight years and is certified by the Illinois Municipal Treasurers Association. She regularly attends continuing educational workshops to keep current with ongoing financial changes that could affect municipalities.