RUMFORD – Harold Blake, the town’s auditor, will inspect financial records today to try to explain a $1.8 million discrepancy in balancing the town’s books.

Tax Collector Carlo Puiia, and Acting Town Manager Jim Rinaldo were quick to say that there are no suspicions of illegal actions. Instead, they both believe computer software installed 18 months ago may be responsible.

The town installed a TRIO municipal computer package in June 2005 at a cost, so far, of about $20,650. The town also plans to install software that will handle the municipal sewer system accounts.

Puiia said he believes there are serious flaws in the system. The audit is the first done since the software was installed.

“We had found some flaws in the system and TRIO support had difficulty describing these problems,” said Puiia. “I believe the program wasn’t adequate for our needs.”

He said Blake will check on items that may not have been purged or items that may not have been recorded in the system.

Puiia believes the discrepancy is the result of how items were recorded.

Rinaldo said he believes that the staff who uses the new system doesn’t understand how to use it.

“We never had an issue with our books balancing before,” he said.

Once Blake finishes his review, Rinaldo said he believes the town and the staff who use the computer system will know where the discrepancies originated.

Blake, of Hallowell, could not be reached for comment.

The town appropriated $8,000 for the annual audit. That money has already been used up. Rinaldo said he doesn’t know how much more it will cost for Blake’s review.

The system is used for payroll, property and excise taxes, and other municipal financial records.