Its not us vs them.
It is all of us together.
Independent Audit - Maintain independent audits (every 2 years) of financial statements in accordance with professional auditing standards & implement their recommendations.
Accounting Software - Learn and further implement the utilization of Uniform Accounting Network (UAN). UAN is the financial software package created by the Auditor of State’s office to support the financial management activities of local governments in Ohio.
Policies - Put in place formal, written financial and accounting policies and procedures. (Policies around: General fund reserves. Reserves in other funds. Grants. Debt. Investment. Economic development. Accounting and financial reporting. Risk management and internal controls)
Release Information - Post financial documents to https://checkbook.ohio.gov/. This will allow our community members to view online township spending, as well as how revenue is allocated. Post reports and financial audits to our website.
Planning - Work closely with department chairs to establish respective budgets and create 5 & 10 year plans.
Accessibility - Make monthly reports available online to the public.
Awareness - Provide understandable financial reports to the public that promote awareness, education, and accessibility.
Community Audit Committee - Establish a community audit committee that is responsible for review, oversight, establishment of procedures, and written reports.
Communicate - Listen and collaborate with the community to address questions, feedback, and felt community needs. Have multiple open lines of communication.
The above items are identified as "Best Practices" by the Governmental Finance Officers Association. To learn more, visit: https://www.gfoa.org/best-practices