Letter to the Editor from Gene Schweizer

Both Gallatin and Pattonsburg had financial statements in last week’s paper. Pattonsburg had a meaningful statement showing the balance on deposit at the beginning and end of the period for each fund, along with the income and expenses. This is as it should be.

In contrast, Gallatin just has a summary of revenue and expenses along with the beginning and ending cash balance. There is no full and detailed accounting for revenue and expenses, as required, to be very meaningful.

Even so, it might suffice if the numbers added up. They don’t. Add the income to the beginning balance and subtract the expenses, this should give the ending balance. It’s off over $20,000.

More cash in the bank than the summary of income and expenses would indicate is good. But it does not excuse bookkeeping problems where so much money can fall through the cracks and not be accounted for.

You would think the mayor and board would have some questions about a system that didn’t balance to the penny, let alone over $20,000 off. And if I were the city clerk I’d want the numbers to balance before I would certify to the correctness of the statement.

Maybe Gallatin could learn something from Pattonsburg’s bookkeeping. Thank you.

Gene Schweizer