By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
Although their audit of the Town of Okarche’s 2022 fiscal year finances won’t be completed until 2024, a firm has been approved to perform another one for fiscal year 2023.
The Okarche town trustees approved the cost for a fiscal year 2023 audit and the fee for the fiscal year 2022 audit. The fiscal year covers the period from July 1, 2022 to June 20, 2023.
The trustees approved the plan to complete the audits unanimously at their November monthly meeting.
In a letter from Arledge & Associates to the town trustees dated Nov. 10, an update on the audit plans was addressed. The cost of the audit for fiscal year 2023, will be $30,000. The 2022 fiscal year audit cost comes to $30,000.
“As you are aware, our initial goal was to present the final audit (for fiscal year 2022) report at the Dec. 2 board meeting. However, we encountered certain challenges during the audit process,” The letter reads. “These challenges included issues related to the cooperation of some personnel outside of the finance and accounting areas, difficulties in obtaining specific documents held by employees outside of the accounting and finance areas, and the need for a comprehensive research-based approach to move forward. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”
The letter from the Edmond-based firm spells out a plan to complete the audit.
“We are pleased to inform you that we have developed a plan for moving forward and anticipate completing the audit in the coming months,” the letter to the town reads. “Our efforts will be focused on finalizing the 2022 audit in early 2024. Following the completion of this audit we will transition into the fiscal 2023 audit, ensuring a more efficient and timely process.
The board unanimously approved accepting the cost of the audit work for 2023 and the cost of the 2022 audit.
