Michael Atherton says:
"There are different types of audits. As I understand it
the audits required by NRP contracts are superficial.
They only check to see that records are available, NOT
that the records are legitimate and valid."
the audits required by NRP contracts are superficial.
They only check to see that records are available, NOT
that the records are legitimate and valid."
My response:
I stated in my post that neighborhoods recieve either audits or financial compliance reviews. Those neighborhoods that recieve less than $50,000 of NRP funds recieve a financial compliance review. Those who recieve over that recieve a full audit.
The Minnesota State Auditors perform the audits. They most certainly check to see that not only are the records present but that they are legitimate. Neighborhoods are asked to provide general ledgers, bank deposits, copies of invoices, checks, bank statements, proof bank statements are reconciled, time sheets, corporate policies and procedures and board minutes authorizing financial actions. There are expectations that neighborhoods conduct business within standardized accounting practices. Any and all issues that arise during a yearly audit are written and discussed at auditor exit meetings with each neighborhood, the NRP staff person and the NRP director.
Perhaps Michael is not aware of the extensive audits that take place in many neighborhood associations because his own neighborhood association recieves way less than the minimum amount required for an audit on an annual basis. His neighborhood requires only a financial compliance review.
As I have said in previous posts, this information is public and available with one phone call to 673-5140. You can also access information on each neighborhood from www.nrp.org. If you would like to see how the NRP funds are allocated by each neighborhood click on the revolving globe that says NRP reports and request the neighborhood allocation summary report. If you would like a copy of an audit for any neighborhood, contact the NRP office or the Neighborhood Specialist assigned to that neighborhood.
Barb Lickness
Whittier
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed,
it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
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