BYRON — Initial findings of the first audit of town finances since 2013 revealed officials have not issued property tax liens since 2011, Selectperson Linda Joyal confirmed Thursday.

Accountants from RHR Smith & Co. of Buxton began the audit Monday for years 2014 to 2017, Joyal said. They are collecting information and scanning files to take to their office, where the audit will be completed, possibly next month, she said.

Joyal said she could not comment on the progress of the audit, but confirmed that liens on properties with unpaid taxes have not been processed for the past seven years because of a “a lack of training.”

Town Clerk Allison Freeman completed a training course in tax liens last year, according to a certificate of completion.

“Going forward, we’ll start (sending out tax liens) again,” Joyal said.

Joyal said selectmen plan to hold a special town meeting for residents to approve paying the auditing firm $16,000 for the four years of audits.

She said town officials in the past have not been getting voter approval for spending.

“We had to call Maine Municipal Association to get clarification, and they said we have to have a meeting,” Joyal said.

Joyal and James Ramey were elected to the board in March. Chairwoman Anne Simmons-Edmunds has served since 2008.

The board is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. April 12 at the Town Office.

emarquis@sunmediagroup.net

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