BETHEL — Andrew Arias of CPA firm Arias and Cooper presented a Comprehensive Audit of the financial statements for the Town of Bethel for the year ending December 31, 2024 at the Bethel Town Board meeting May 28. The report assessed compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for the municipality, the extent and level of internal controls, (which are implemented to prevent theft and fraud), as well as an assessment of risk. The financial transactions conducted by the Bethel Local Development Corporation, a related entity, were blended into the report.

The main drawback noted was the lack of an “actuarial calculation of retiree health insurance” required by the GASB 75, (a currently published bulletin of accounting standards). In the future, in case the need arises, the Town was advised to budget for the cost of hiring an actuary to perform the calculations.

However, the CPA firm offered an unmodified, or “clean,” opinion on the comprehensive fund financial statements and stated conformance with GAAP.

During the presentation, it was noted that over the last six years the General Fund has increased by $4M, and mortgage tax revenues and interest income have risen. This year $219,000 was earned via investment in NY Class, which produced $77,000 over budget. Fund balances have been going up steadily, and the $23,000 received in state aid, which is a one-time event, offset debt service costs.  Pandemic income, which had to be used up by the end of 2024, was channeled wisely into purchases of trucks and playground equipment at the Forest Reserve in Smallwood. 

It was recommended that small, often verbally conducted transactions be documented and initialed on vouchers. It also recommended the setting up of a reserve account for necessary purchases. Current long term debt stands at $190,000, providing funding for currently open projects related to the Smallwood Water District and the construction of a new Town Hall and Highway Garage.

Although operating activity this year saw a $32,000 increase, overall trends during  the last three years show that the town has “healthy amounts in all funds”, specifically the General Fund and funding for the Highway and Sewer Departments, with “no significant discrepancies.”

Property violations 

in Smallwood

A letter emailed to Building Inspector BJ Gettel from Supervisor Dan Sturm cited 24 vehicles in various states of disrepair parked along property at the intersection of Andrew Brucher and Pine Grove Road in Smallwood. Due to lack of cooperation by its owner, despite court proceedings “for over six months,” he asked for her response for a solution, including the steps necessary to clean it up. He raised questions about enforcement of violations related to zoning, property maintenance, and illegal junkyard, landscaping, or auto repair operations in the residential hamlet of Smallwood. He called it an “urgent matter” and asked for advice about her perception of violations and compliance dates, with a suggestion to further it up court channels or a possible revamping of codes, and extended appreciation for her assistance.

Copies were sent to Town Attorney Marvin Newberg, Town Clerk Rita Sheehan, and all Board members. 

“As a Town Board, and with our residents, we cannot let this violation or mess stand any longer.”

Joint fuel bid

A letter from Cheryl Gerow of the Town of Liberty Finance Office addressed to Bethel Town Supervisor Dan Sturm announced the expiration date of the annual shared fuel bid on August 31, 2025. The Town Board approved the request for payment of a $100 fee to continue participation in the current bid process for supplies of fuel oil, gasoline, and diesel necessary to operate town departments from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026.

The estimated annual consumption by the Town of Bethel includes 28,800 gallons of diesel for the Highway and Sewer Departments; 3000 gallons of fuel oil for the Town Hall, Justice Court and Sewer Department; and 6,900 gallons of gasoline for the Highway and Sewer Departments.