Centerville praised for latest financial audit

CENTERVILLE -- The city's finances are in good shape, according to an audit of the past fiscal year.

Beth Tabor of the independent Warner Robins accounting firm of Nichols, Cauley & Associates presented the Centerville City Council a report giving the city a clean opinion, meaning it scored high marks on its financial state and money handling and accounting practices. The audit was for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2015.

Tabor said the city's financial bottom line showed a net increase in income of $2 million for fiscal 2015 versus the $1.5 million increase it had in fiscal 2014.

A large percentage of the increase in net income in 2015 came through money received for capital outlay, such as money received by Centerville for street widening and re-paving, particularly work done to the west and north of the Houston County Galleria mall, she said.

Another highlight presented by Tabor showed the city has $27.7 million in assets above its liabilities, a figure she called "a very strong position."

Tabor also said the city carries approximately nine months of operating expenses in available funds, which is in line with policies maintained by the council to keep extra money ready in case the city faces a financial emergency.

Tabor commended the city on accurate budgeting procedures and spending policies but recommended the city consider hiring a central purchasing officer. The city now handles purchasing at the individual department level.

Mayor John Harley said that was something the city had under consideration, but he said that adding an extra employee would be an added expense. He also cited various spending controls the city has in place.

Audit results are submitted to state authorities who review findings and present potential requirements and recommendations to cities.

During Tuesday's regular council meeting, incumbent Post 3 Councilman Micheal Evans was sworn in for a new term, and Post 4 Councilman Edward Armijo was sworn in for his first term.

Councilman Randall Wright was named mayor pro tem for the coming year.

Also at Tuesday's meeting, Harley gave Capt. Ronnie Harlowe of the Houston County Sheriff's Office a key to the city and note of appreciation for heading the Centerville Police Department from mid-September through mid-December.

At the request of the council, Harlowe served in the absence of top leadership at the department and in light of several controversial hirings and firings.

Without giving specifics about what improvements or changes had been made in the department, Harley complimented Harlowe and said he "did a great job looking after the city" and helped get things at the department on track.

The City Council is currently searching for a new chief for the force.

Ed Tucker, a former councilman who resigned his seat to head the department last year but whose position was terminated, spoke to the council during the public comments portion of the meeting.

Tucker posed questions, some specific and some vague, to Harley and the council concerning police department procedures in the recent promotion of a sergeant to the captain's slot without interviewing other candidates.

Tucker also questioned parts of contracts the city has with its clerk and attorney but doesn't have with other department heads or employees.

The questions led to a dispute of facts about the contracts' legality and wisdom between Tucker and Harley but led to no clear answer.

Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com.

This story was originally published January 6, 2016 at 9:44 PM with the headline "Centerville praised for latest financial audit ."