LIVERMORE — Auditor Ronald “Ron” Smith told selectpersons Monday, April 26, that while some progress has been made, his position hasn’t changed.

The town is not always in compliance with federal, state, its own policies and procedures, he said. While some improvements have been seen, some concerns noted in 2019 remain, he noted.

The board had asked Smith to look at the math, various other concerns regarding errors in payroll calculations and other procedures.

“We will provide you with a blueprint of the math we’ve gone over in the last three years, put the math to the numbers,” Smith said.

“Do you have those numbers tonight,” Selectperson Tracey Martin asked.

“That is sensitive information the board will need to follow up on,” Smith said.

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“You’re saying the issues brought forth December 11 remain today,” Martin asked.

“Correct,” Smith replied. “Issues we’ve seen, brought up are still being addressed. You guys are working on them.”

Smith said he was so focused on 2020, best practices and going back that he wasn’t prepared to talk about anything beyond June 30.

“There’s been some evolution, progress,” he said. “The issues we talked about through June 30, 2020, are real. As far as applying them to 2021 we’re not there yet.”

There were a lot of mistakes; maybe the math was just that, bad math, Smith said.

Letters sent by Smith of RHR Smith & Co. dated Nov. 2 and Dec. 11 highlighted some of the concerns found while completing the town’s audit for 2019. The tax assessor’s certification was problematic again resulting in inaccurate tax bills for the third year in a row, he told the board during its Nov. 24 meeting.

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Closed-door sessions were held with town officials, Smith and town attorney Matt Tarasevich from Bernstein Shur on Dec. 14 after which no action was taken.

“We are taking no action at this time,” Selectperson Brett Deyling said following an executive session with Smith and Tarasevich Monday.

In other business the board approved the $137,613.20 bid from Pike Industries, Inc. of Fairfield for paving.

A road committee meeting was held last week to go over what is left this year for capital roads, Selectperson Scott Richmond said. A Pike representative was at that meeting, he noted.

“These numbers he just gave us are even better than the numbers given last week,” Selectperson Scott Richmond said.

The bid covers 2-inch base and 1.25-inch surface paving on a section of Bean Road, 1-inch surface paving on a section of Bear Mountain Road and 2.5-inch paving on Beachwood Terrace. Some were worked on last year.

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Were other contractors invited to the meeting, Deyling asked.

He was there to answer questions because he was presenting his bid, Selectperson Chairman Mark Chretien said.

“I think since Pike’s is finishing up one road, it’s a continuation of their contract,” Deyling said. “In the future, if we’re having a meeting to discuss pricing on road projects should make sure we are inviting other contractors to the meetings.

“I’m fine with this number, think it is reasonable,” he continued. “We’re already in the project so it makes sense to continue working with the contractor we’re already working with in town.”

Animal control officer Richard Burton was added to the town’s liability insurance to allow him to dispatch animals when needed.

A call had been received from animal control officer Richard Burton who was involved with a rabid raccoon situation, Administrative Assistant Aaron Miller said.

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Burton’s unable to dispatch animals, he’s not covered by the town’s insurance, Miller noted.

“He’s qualified to do it, just doesn’t have the insurance,” he said.

He’s an employee, Treasurer Mary Castonguay said.

“We should add him to our insurance. Do it,” Chretien said.

The warrant articles for the June 8 Town Meeting referendum vote were also reviewed.

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