[Ed note: My Southborough accepts signed letters to the editor submitted by Southborough residents. Letters may be emailed to mysouthborough@gmail.com.
The following letter is from Michael Sheff.]
To the Editor:
The first order of business at the April 7th Selectboard Meeting was the review of the CPA Auditor Report which was the Examination of the Town’s financial statements for the Year Ended June 30, 2025 prepared by an outside firm. The Report contains a conclusion which can be UNQUALIFIED (great) or QUALIFIED (not good). Th report’s conclusion was UNQUALIFIED.
The Report is required to report to communicate significant Audit matters, Scope limitation (Southborough had no limitations.), Generally Accepted Audit Departures (Southborough had no departures.), Material Weaknesses/Significant Deficiencies (Southborough had none).
Qualitative Aspects of Accounting Practices (The audit determined the most sensitive estimates affecting the Town’s financial statements were those that described the Town’s Post Employment Benefits (most common are pension and health insurance liabilities)). The Examination noted the financial statement disclosures are neutral, consistent, and clear.
The Auditor’s Report not only acts as a report card of Southborough’s financial position at year end but also is reflective of the stewardship of the Town’s financial group.
In regard to all of the aforementioned, I want to emphasize that the work, effort, and professionalism of Brian Ballantine, Finance Director, Treasurer/Collector and Carla McCauliffe, Town Accountant, and their respective staffs worked tirelessly to produce the results reflected in this Report. The jobs of supervising and protecting the Town’s Assets ultimately rests with these groups and the Report reflects the execution of their responsibilities at the highest of levels. They should be congratulated and we should all feel proud them!!!
Michael Sheff,
CPA Retired,
14 Parkerville Road
