The word ëaudití doesnít usually elicit an overabundance of positivity. At least not before the audit has been performed.
In the Town of Athabascaís case, however, they have reason to be pleased after the completion of this yearís audit. After completing his thorough examination of the townís books, auditor Gordon C. Ferguson concluded that Athabasca is doing just fine financially. Better than fine, in fact.
ìIt is a strong balance sheet for the municipality. Itís a good financial position,î he recently told council.
Itís good news for the town, certainly, and positive reinforcement for the direction they have been going in terms of their finances. Ferguson credited the town with ìtightening their beltsî, controlling their costs and not overspending.
Though the town deals with more money than most private citizens ever will, the concept of saving and making smart money decisions is something we all strive for. Now the town may face the same temptation the rest of us do when we find we have a little more money than we thought we did; the temptation to splurge.
Ferguson made a point of cautioning the town to not use the good news of the audit as a springboard to future spending. Councillor George Hawryluk agreed, noting that the town must maintain its established fiscal responsibility so that there are funds left over for ërainy daysí.
The town is to be commended for managing taxpayer money well; where other municipalities spend wildly and wind up with little in the bank when itís most needed, Athabasca seems to be prepared for any sudden expenses or emergencies. That can always change, of course, as managing money is a full-time job that doesnít get any easier, and in fact often gets more challenging as time goes by.
Local taxpayers (and voters) will be happy to know this council has a penchant for money matters.
