City Council

~ COMMITTEE REPORT~ Audit Committee (2023) November 26, 2024 Chair Frank Salvatore called the meeting to order at 6:01p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Present were Committee Members Andrea Gartner, Ben Chianese, Elmer Palma, and arriving at 6:31pm was Irving Fox. From the City were; Dan Garrick, Director of Finance; Joanne Stark, Assistant Finance Director (Operations); Kara Prunty, Assistant Finance Director (Budgets and Grants). Also in attendance were Michael Weever, Danbury Public Schools’ CFO; Richard Jannelli, BOE and Scott Bassett, RSM (attended virtually). Ex Officio members present were Peter Buzaid and Duane Perkins. From the public were Tom Brown and Al Robinson. Mr. Garrick provided an overview of the status of the 2023 Audit; he noted some items that are still outstanding and identified recently submitted reports including the schools’ report and OPEV. Mr. Bassett explained that both RSM and the city are working hard to get the audit done quickly; he confirmed that trial balances are just being finalized which will trigger the next phases in the audit process. He said he has communicated to the state about the city’s ongoing efforts to get the audits done as quickly as possible. Chair Salvatore asked for the anticipated completion date; Mr. Bassett expects a final report by the first or second week of January. The chair asked about challenges that prevented them from getting the trial balances sooner; Mr. Bassett noted time to perform catch up work as a key factor. Mr. Weever discussed delays caused by the need to gather information as well and a staff shortage of one position. Member Chianese asked about the timeline of getting selections done. Member Palma asked about any hold ups; Mr. Bassett discussed the process of reviewing submissions, which take time. Ms. Stark explained that some outstanding items on the city’s side are contingent on the draft audit report that should be presented in December. Members Gartner and Chianese and Chair Salvatore asked about the 2024 Audit process; Mr. Weever and Mr. Garrick confirmed that some simultaneous work does take place. Ms. O’Brien thanked the Council, the Finance Department and RSM for all their hard work and support in getting the audits done; Mr. Bassett noted weekly meetings and updates that take place creating a productive working relationship with the city. Member Palma asked for a checklist of items that are needed for every audit to help move the processes along; Ms. Stark confirmed that they are already working on a checklist for 2024; Ms. O’Brien noted a portal that is used to keep the collection of information organized. Member Chianese asked if CLA has been helpful with the process; Ms. Stark confirmed their assistance and work as a second reviewer has been helpful. Mr. Bassett spoke on the importance of a solid closeout that will help with the next audit. Member Palma asked if the Finance Department foresees any issues that the city will have to address; Ms. Stark said that she does not have any now but will communicate any that come up as soon as possible. Chair Salvatore asked about the need for additional staff at the schools; Mr. Weever noted an open position and a temp that he hopes to keep. Mr. Duane Perkins asked about grants; Mr. Bassett confirmed 2022 and 2023 consisted of a lot of grants and noted that there will not be as many in 2024, which could help the process move faster. Member Fox asked differences in timelines; Mr. Garrick spoke on the expected timeline for a final report for 2023, he estimates about six months for the 2024 audit; Mr. Bassett confirms a June timeframe is reasonable; Ms. Stark confirmed that their internal deadline was June; Ms. O’Brien noted that a more aggressive timeline had been discussed but that June is more realistic. Chair Salvatore thanked everyone. A motion was made by Member Chianese seconded by Member Gartner, to continue the committee subject to the call of the Chair. The motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:38pm Respectfully submitted Frank Salvatore, Chair Andrea Gartner Ben Chianese Irving Fox Elmer Palma