Commission Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Special Commission Meeting - May 3, 2021, 5:45 p.m.

The special meeting of the Lady Lake Town Commission was held in the Commission Chambers at Lady Lake Town Hall, 409 Fennell Blvd., Lady Lake, Florida with Mayor Kussard presiding. The meeting convened at 5:45 p.m.

A. Call to Order

Mayor Ruth Kussard

B. Roll Call

Commissioner (Ward) Present
Kussard (One) YES
Holden (Two) YES
Vincent (Three) YES
Hannan (Four) YES
Rietz (Five) YES

STAFF PRESENT:

Derek Schroth, Town Attorney; Bill Lawrence, Town Manager; Thad Carroll, Growth Management Director; C.T. Eagle, Public Works Director; John Pearl, I.T. Director; Pam Winegardner, Finance Director; Lori Sadler, Library Director; Deputy Chief Jason Brough and Lt. Nelson Vargas, Police Department; and Nancy Slaton, Interim Town Clerk

C. Presentation

1. Presentation and Acceptance of the Audit Report for Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2020 (Chet Ross of Shumacker, Johnston and Ross)

Mayor Kussard introduced Chet Ross of Shumacker, Johnston & Ross, PA, to present the audit report.

Mr. Ross stated that he is presenting the audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Town for fiscal year-ending September 30, 2020. He stated he had no issues with the audit this year. The only disclosure he noted for this year and years past is the sensitive valuation estimate regarding the Town’s sewer capacity. He stated there were no accounting rule changes this year.

Mr. Ross stated the audit report includes an “emphasis of matter” regarding the coronavirus and how it may have affected the Town. He stated that the Town received less revenue for sales tax, the local option gas tax, revenue sharing, and the infrastructure tax, totaling $118,000. Mr. Ross noted that the ad valorem taxes increased almost $300,000, which covered those losses.

Under governmental income, Mr. Ross brought up that the Town’s Utility Fund revenue is not covering the depreciation as the Town is not charging enough for its utility services to cover the cost . He stated the Town’s fiberoptic project is progressing and has cost $360,000 thus far through the fiscal year-end, and he did not see that in the budget. Mr. Ross stated he would like to see that project progress.

Mayor Kussard commented that she thought Mr. Ross did a wonderful job presenting the audit report.

Mr. Ross asked that the report be formally accepted for distribution.

Commissioner Hannan made a motion to approve the distribution of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2020. Commissioner Holden seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Mr. Ross thanked the Commissioners and stated he looked forward to starting the audit for the next year.

2. Acknowledgement of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2019 (Mayor Kussard)

Mayor Kussard acknowledged the receipt of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2019 (the 25th year the Town has received this award) and presented the award to the Finance Director.

Finance Director Pam Winegardner gave credit to the staff of the Finance Department for this achievement.

D. Adjourn

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:56 p.m.

s/ Nancy Slaton, Interim Town Clerk

s/ Ruth Kussard, Mayor

Minutes transcribed by Nancy Slaton, Deputy Town Clerk