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Verona officials discuss hiring accountants
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Verona council Tuesday night heard a presentation from an accounting company that could help the borough with its accounting and record-keeping problems.
Jerry Kenna of Landmark Business Solutions Inc. told council his business could manage the borough's accounting to ensure council has accurate monthly reports of the borough's finances and detailed, accurate budgets every year.
Some council members have complained that the borough hasn't kept its financial house in order.
But Councilwoman Peggy Suchevich expressed reservations about bills leaving the building.
"We can lose stuff on our own, without help," she said.
Councilman Tony Futules questioned the added expense. Mr. Kenna said he would charge the borough $40 an hour, a discount of his normal $60-an-hour rate.
Mr. Kenna said that once the borough has an accurate, detailed accounting system, it will be easier to see where the borough's money is going and where changes need to be made.
"Every taxpayer will know exactly where their money is going," he said.
Councilwoman Rhoda Gemellas-Worf said that Mr. Kenna's services are necessary because the taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent.
"This has to be done," she said.
"Nothing has to be done," Ms. Suchevich said.
"We do not have accurate accounting," Ms. Gemellas-Worf said.
The borough's solicitor, Craig Alexander, said earlier this month that the borough's technological equipment is "antiquated" and that the borough manager, Bonnie Conway, "wears two hats" as both manager and treasurer.
If the borough opted to contract with Landmark, Mr. Kenna essentially would handle the treasurer's responsibilities. Ms. Conway would still review, sign and send all of the borough's checks.
Ms. Conway said Tuesday night that she "votes yes" to using Landmark's services.
Council President Dominic Conte said council members would discuss the proposal with the solicitor and with each other in a private session. He said a vote on whether to contract with Landmark could be taken as soon as the Feb. 12 council meeting.
First Published January 31, 2013 5:17 am
