Presently, Orion Township is faring well financially, despite state revenue sharing cuts, according to township auditors Plante & Moran.
The results of the township’s 2002 audit were presented at the May 5 board of trustees meeting. Michelle Watterworth of Plante & Moran said the township is almost debt-free.
“The township does remain in fairly good financial condition,” she said. “This despite state revenue sharing cuts, of which they are predicting an additional 3 percent cut.”
In 2002, the township’s fund balance stood at $3,055,426; with expenditures totaling $5,166,152 (including transfers out).
“The township’s fund balance went from 53 percent in 2001 to 59 percent in 2002,” Watterworth said. “In 2001 expenditures were $5,289,195.
“You’re well prepared to handle any reductions in state-run revenue,” she said.
Watterworth said the township’s general fund went from being $2.8 million from state sources to $2.5 million.
“Your (revenue) from licenses and permits also was reduced, and that’s a reflection in the decline of building permits,” she said. “You had a $370,000 increase in general government (expenditures)…that’s mainly because of the water and sewer projects you undertook.”
Watterworth said that nearly half of all general fund expenditures came in the form of salaries, while the revenue total for 2002 was a little over $80,000,000.
“Your water and sewer fund is $9,763,626…you got approximately $5.9 million from the tax collection fund,” she said.
“We recommend strengthening the communication between the treasurer’s department and the accounting office,” said Watterworth.
Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk said the township was in the process of talking with the village about the township taking over building inspections for the village.
“This will be an additional source of revenue, but there will not be additional personnel requirements,” he said.
“We are very fiscally responsible…we take the time to examine these issues,” noted trustee Eric Wilson.