Commission hears audit report

By COREY BLUEMEL Staff Writer

The Emery County Commissioners held their recent meeting in the county building in Castle Dale. Although the agenda was a short one, the meeting was packed with action. The first item on the agenda was the acceptance of a second addendum to an interlocal agreement with the Emery County Special Service District #1.
This addendum deals with the low water boat ramp at Joe’s Valley. Commissioner Gary Kofford said that there was an overrun of the price of construction of the boat ramp in the amount of a few hundred dollars. This addendum identifies responsibility for the overrun costs, and the special service district has accepted responsibility for the expenses.
Commissioner Drew Sitterud explained that the Division of Wildlife Resources has reported receiving numerous letters expressing thanks and appreciation for the new boat ramp. The public responded well to the addition of the ramp for use during the boating season.
Commissioner Ira Hatch said “This boat ramp is getting a lot of use and we expect it to be very functional for many years.”
Kay Kimball, representing the auditing firm who completed the 2004 audit on Emery County reported concerning the audit. “Once the audit is complete, we have an exit report with the commissioners. That was completed recently. This audit was not only done on Emery County, but the special service districts that the commissioners oversee. Those special service districts are the recreation district, a water district, a special service district, and a fire district.
“This audit concentrated on the control system of Emery County. We interviewed employees, and audited many items. We went into great detail and found no fraud. Many of the things that happen in the bigger parts of the world have required that auditors make an on-record statement concerning fraud. We found none here.
“We have dealt with many cities, towns, and counties during our career as auditors. I want to compliment your county auditor’s office. They watch the details and check things out. We found that the control system is excellent.
“During our employee interviews, we concluded that Emery County has very competent, responsible employees. This should make you pleased with the people in your offices.
“Emery County did not overspend the budget and the amendments to that budget were all done correctly. The assessing and portioning system for taxes is very efficient and you have no problems there. You did a great job this year and we found no problems,” said Kimball.
Kimball went on to explain the process for conducting an audit, and a thorough and complete audit was done. “The county is in good shape, with competent employees, it is working well, and we had a good, clean audit.”
Following the audit report, the commissioners approved to refund money for two booth rentals at the fair. It was discovered that the booth rentals were paid two years ago, and in the ensuing years the booths were unable to be used.
Commissioner Hatch requested that the commissioners think about a management plan for the Lawrence Cemetery. That cemetery is the only one that sits on county property. In the past the commissioners have made the decisions concerning the management of that cemetery. “In the near future, we will need to make a decision whether to continue as we are now, or to go another direction with its management.”
Commissioner Hatch encouraged everyone to go to the fair where a demonstration between the digital television reception and regular reception, is planned. He and Commissioner Kofford attended a UAC meeting in Richfield where a similar demonstration was given. “The difference between HDTV and the present system is quite remarkable,” Hatch said.
Commissioner Kofford explained that he had met with Midland, the company that recently purchased PacifiCorp from Scottish Power. The companies officials assured him that there will be no big changes coming with the transfer. The employees will remain the same and the practices will remain the same.
The commissioners approved to hire Dottie Grimes to be the archives specialist. This position will begin July 6. The next meeting of the Emery County Commissioners will be July19 at 9 a.m.