Verona Council Hires Financial Advisor

Verona Council has hired a financial consultant to bring borough finances up-to-date.

On Tuesday, officials agreed to hire Jerry Kenna of Landmark Business Solutions Inc. in Oakmont to perform the duties of the borough treasurer.

For years, some officials and residents have expressed concern about the lack of financial detail and inaccurate information outlined in the borough's annual budget and monthly statements. Council hired Sarp and Co. last year to upgrade the borough's computer system, but officials still were not satisfied with the outcome.

Under the agreement with Landmark, the borough will pay $35 per hour for the first 60 days of the transition period and $40 per hour afterward.

Landmark essentially will be performing the work of the borough treasurer. Up until this week, borough Manager Bonnie Conway was responsible for completing the manager and treasurer duties.

Landmark would be responsible for the following:

• Reconciling all bank account to QuickBooks and providing reconciliation reports to Conway.
• Paying the borough bills.
• Producing accurate and detailed monthly financial statements.
• Meeting with department heads to discuss expenditures before creating an accurate 2014 budget with year-to-date expenses.

Councilwoman Rhoda Gemellas-Worf said she's elated the borough has some financial help.

"I'm very excited," she said. "This is very much needed. My concern is that because we're working with taxpayer money, we need accountability. With this company, we will be able to offer accountability and accuracy."

_______________________

Plum-Oakmont Patch is on Facebook and on Twitter. Don't forget to sign up for our daily email newsletter by clicking here.