Assessors made the decision after Hood failed to give the plantation the clarification they sought, he said Thursday. 17 that assessors would hire another accountant - RHR Smith & Company - for a professional evaluation. Timothy Woodcock of Eaton Peabody in Bangor, who represents The Forks Plantation, responded on Oct. 13, Melissa Perkins, acting state auditor at the time, wrote to the plantation’s lawyer seeking a review of The Forks’ accounting procedures, description of financial controls and any plans for corrective action adopted during the fiscal year. “For me, it would certainly raise urgent questions if I was a citizen of that town,” he said. What unfolds next in The Forks will be between the town’s elected officials and residents, Dunlap said, and his office doesn’t have the authority to do anything more than request information. “The board rejects any implication of wrongdoing.” “At two points, letter refers to ‘fraud’ with respect to the issuance of checks before placing them on a warrant,” assessors said. Hood refused, they said, which they viewed as inconsistent with his obligation to the plantation. 11 letter, denied that they limited Hood’s inquiry to meeting only with the former treasurer and encouraged him to interview the past treasurer because that is who served during the fiscal year. Hutchinson wrote that communications should go through her and the first assessor, he said. Management insisted that Hood only work with the prior treasurer and that an assessor be present at all times, he said. Hood’s letter also detailed how management tried to control his access to people he needed to do his audit. When the plantation’s newly elected treasurer started in October 2021, assessors implemented new control policies that they believe address the deficiencies noted in Hood’s letter, they said. It has been the board’s practice to place checks on a warrant and approve them, assessors said, but they acknowledged the incorrect sequence and said they have ended that practice. He suggested that the plantation require its tax collector to file liens for all unpaid taxes, and there should be no exception for officers.Īssessors agreed with the two recommendations in their Aug. Hood recommended that the treasurer not sign checks without board approval, in accordance with state law. “The only bank statement page missing from the 12 months’ bank statements was the page containing the photocopy of this check,” he said, noting the plantation, by phone, had to request a copy from the bank to show to whom it was made out, and there was no record indicating the payment’s purpose. Also in Maine.Hutchinson paid back $15,742 to the plantation for prior years’ overpayments to her, plus the $2,254.92, circumventing the penalty fees and costs associated with liens, Hood said. If you are not a member, register for a free Mondo Times basic membership. Log in now if you are a Mondo Times member. Posted by Mondo Times editors, Boulder Colorado USA, December 2, 2011 She previously served as a reporter for Mainbiz and a currency reporter for the Associ ted Press (AP). Posted by Mondo Times editors, Boulder Colorado USA, August 2, 2012īangor Daily News appointed Jackie Farwell healthcare editor, effective December 2011. His replacement there has not yet been named. Matt Wickenheiser, business editor of the Bangor Daily News, has departed his position as of August 2012. While it's been great for the Daily News and other local media it didn't work for Gideon, who raised far more money than Collins ($63.6 million vs. four years ago, mainly due to Democratic Party money seeking to oust Maine Senator Susan Collins and elect Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon. The Bangor Daily News saw a huge increase (3,000%) in political ad spending this year vs. Newsĭemocrats' Millions Help Save Maine Local News (but not Sara Gideon) Log in or register to submit media ratings.
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