7928-R5_NewGloucester_2020-2021_AnnualReport_Web

ANNUAL REPORT Town Manager – Letter of Transmittal Dear Citizens of the Town of New Gloucester, Chair Bragdon, Vice Chair Larrivee, and Selectboard members Hathorne, Ward, and Donovan: In May of 2021, I was chosen as your new Town Manager. As the 2021 fiscal year was winding down, I quickly tried to familiarize myself with many facets of this community. Items that were reviewed by me included; financial statements, warrants, personnel history, departmental concerns, projects in motion, and filling critical positions just to name a few. It was a whirlwind few months getting acclimated. I quickly learned that New Gloucester has a very committed team of employees. They are quick to respond to requests from taxpayers and residents, provide continued or improved services for the town, and continue to make me proud of the work they perform day in and day out with much dedication. Please be sure to thank any one of our many team members when you see them out and about. I send my personal thanks to each of them. As you review this annual report, you will note that the auditor’s report is omitted. In fiscal year 2021, the town chose a new auditor to audit the financial condition of the town. Unfortunately, due to staffing concerns with them and the town, and the timing of the audit, it was unable to be completed prior to the printing of this report. When it is complete, a copy of the audit opinion and the audited financial statements will be on file and available at the town office. In the town report that will be published next year, a copy of both audits will be included. In fiscal year 2021, there were several accounts that bore an overdraft in the approved budget. The overdrafts included: administration, $562.01; legal, $12,139.50; public works, $10,453.98; transfer station, $7,713.87; parks and recreation, $133.14; and abatements, $20,182.19. Each of these overdrafts should not have occurred, however some circumstances beyond the towns control contributed. Items such as court cases, weather conditions, team members departing their position, increased trash at the transfer, and a revaluation all played a role. Moving forward, accounts will be analyzed monthly and the Municipal Officers will be kept abreast of the financial standing of the town. I am pleased to have been chosen as your new Town Manager, and I hope to exceed your expectations in my role. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, concerns, or compliments. I am here to serve each of you.

Respectfully submitted:

Christine M. Landes, MBA | CMM Town Manager, Town of New Gloucester

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