Winnfield City Council members heard what they expected to be an “Audit Update” at its March 12 meeting but it turned out instead to be the final audit report from CPA Steve McKay and it was good news.
McKay, from Rozier, McKay & Willis of Alexandria, took blame for the annual report being late, citing a family loss around reporting time. He described the city’s financial position as “healthy,” giving the city “high marks” in their operations with what he described to the Journal as a “clean audit.”
Any adverse or qualified opinions in the audit appeared to be just in notations in reporting in two areas. “We look at financial statements not only to see if they are good or bad but if they are accurate.”
Winnfield’s financial health is so good, McKay said, that “most other communities this size would be happy to trade places. You are in a great spot. I’d suggest no changes.”
In a prior session, the auditor had suggested that the city look into investing funds in the state’s LAMP program rather that in the bank at lower rates. But LAMP rates fluctuate with the market, DA Chris Nevils had pointed out at that earlier meeting. Since that time, McKay learned that the bank rates may now pay nearer to what LAMP might generate.
In other action, the council approved Police Department personnel changes introduced by Council member Teresa Phillips. They agreed to hire Harley Johnson as a fulltime jailer on provisional basis and Dena Young as a parttime dispatcher, with a training period noted.
Councilman Matt Miller announced an ordinance for action on itinerant vendors, increasing fees from $50 to $100 while increasing time from 40 to 60 days. This was accepted.
Council member Erikia Breda received support for her resolution that Tuesday, March 19, be designated as “Main Street Day” in Winnfield to coincide with the celebration of Main Street Day at the State Capitol.
