By ADAM ATKINSON

North Country This Week

CANTON -- The town board is considering hiring an independent accountant to conduct the regular required internal audits of the supervisor’s office, the clerk’s office and the town justice department.

The state requires towns to complete independent audits of the departments once a year. An audit of the town court system has already been completed but internal reviews of the other two departments are required before the end of the year.

Eric Gustafson, town attorney, recommended at the town board meeting Nov. 14, that the town contract to have the service done by a third party. The town board has traditionally conducted the audits themselves.

“My problem has always been, that I’m not an auditor,” said Councilman Jimmy Smith. “You are at the mercy of whatever information is provided to you.”

“It was a pretty weak process I would say,” said Councilman Bob Washo.

“I think it’s just prudent. You guys are not auditors, its not your job,” Gustafson said. The attorney said an independent firm could set up systems which would potentially flag problems to the board before they arose. “It’s cheap insurance as far as I’m concerned.”

An outside firm would be hired as “professional services” and would not require a bidding process. Gustafson was directed to research firms for the board to consider.