Galva’s annual audit contained some positive aspects, the City Council learned this week.
The audit was presented by Kim Hoffman, CPA of Hoffman and Tranil, PC, a Rock Island firm that has provided independent audits for Galva for several years.
Hoffman noted that the city’s Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund is solvent and in a good position for employees who eventually retire.
Praising city clerk Deb VanWassenhove and secretary/chief treasurer Melissa Halsall for their work on the financial reports Hoffman said, “This was the best year ever,” adding that “due to the use of the LOCUS software program, cash flow accounting has shown significant improvement.”
Noting that smaller municipalities have more of a problem with segregation of duties, she told the council, “But Galva is doing a great job in this area.” No specific areas of concern were expressed.
Mayor Rich Volkert thanked Hoffman. “For a town our size and age, the audit shows we’re in good shape.”
The council voted unanimously to send the audit findings to Henry County to be recorded.
Mid-Century Fiber board member Tonya Pike and employee Kevin Lewis presented the city with the Smart Rural Community award. Such recognition is given to cities that understand the positive impact that broadband access has on the community and act on it.
Pike read the proclamation announcing the award noting the benefits of broadband access including online resources for education, telemedicine to enhance health care, and information for local businesses to help them increase marketing and sales efforts.
“Broadband will propel communities into the future,” said Pike, adding, “Galva’s leadership recognized its importance and helped to promote the availability of Internet access to its citizens.”
Also at the meeting:
— Greg Thompson, the city’s all-operations director, said his crew would begin flushing hydrants in the northeast and northwest parts of town. He reminded residents to check the water for any rust before doing laundry.
— Street Supt. Richard Plummer told the council that the most recent city cleanup had gone well.
— Ald. Jeff Olson thanked the city for its help in replacing the Bishop Hill Park fence. Ald. Doug Anderson added, “We need to thank Jeff for all the work he did – especially when he did it all as a volunteer, without any payment for supervising the construction.”
The next council meeting is set for Monday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.
