Winslow Township Supervisors receive audit of the 2020 books

The Winslow Township Supervisors met in regular session on March 8 and heard the township auditor’s report on the 2020 audit findings.

Auditor board chairperson Tina Bernarduci read from the management letter of audit findings which reported “the books accurately represent the financial position of the township including the assets, liabilities and fund balances as of December 31, 2020…”

The township saw expenditures exceed revenues by $60,627 due to the water leak in the Soldier Water System and decreased revenues possibly due to the pandemic.

One recommendation was made for a better tracking system for the two debit cards issued through the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust (PLGIT). The trust does provide a monthly statement, but it’s not itemized and lumps together the totals of both cards.

“There’s nothing wrong,” Bernaduci said, “but you need that level of detail.”

Township secretary Mary Greeley said she has been in contact with PLGIT to resolve the issue. There is the possibility of accessing the account online and printing out the expenditures each month.

The supervisors voted to accept the auditor’s report.

Sewage permit denied

Sewage Enforcement Officer Jeremy Geer provided a report to the supervisors that stated he has denied the sewage permit request from the developers of the Dollar General Store site along the Prescottville Road at the intersection with Route 322.

He said the finding of the study was not unexpected, and that the developer is looking at several options, including the construction of a “small flow treatment plant” at the site.

No noise ordinance

At last month’s meeting, the owners of the Bear Claw Country Sports Bar on Route 322 west of Reynoldsville, Angie and Shawn Kniseley, asked the supervisors to consider adopting a noise ordinance to help their business do more events outside due to the pandemic. Last year, one event was shut down due to a noise complaint. If approved, the business could then apply for an exemption when outdoor events were planned.

Supervisor Rick August said he was in touch with Sandy Township Manager Shawn Arbaugh and received a copy of the township’s noise ordinance. However, such an ordinance would require an enforcement officer, August said, which would be an additional cost to the township. He also said the idea of granting exemptions in a rural township would be difficult.

While he understood the plight of the owners of the Bear Claw, the ordinance was “not feasible on our end.”

Other action

The supervisors approved a motion to seek bids for stone and oil for the upcoming road maintenance season. They plan to purchase the same amount, more or less, as last year. The bids will be opened at the regular meeting on April 12.