Itis hard to believe that we are being asked to comment on work performed almost two years ago. The Board of Finance is responsible for publishing this Westbrook Financial Report annually and this one covers the period July 08 to June 2009, now a year ago. In reading my comments please understand they relate to only events during that period. Having taken office as Westbrook’ s Treasurer seven months ago I have initiated normal accounting procedures andi controls as much as possible ‘with litle cooperation or support from the Board of Selectmen or Board of Finance. Ihave been able to institute corrective measures in response to the findings of the new auditors, Seward and Monde, as of FYE June 2008, ‘That Audit stated a number of material deficiencies including ” We observed a variety of clevical errors, questionable business practices, control deficiencies and the lack of documentation or evidence of authorized procedures or processes effected for proper internal controls including checks and balances”, Seward and Monde also stated that I, the new Treasurer had already “instituted new and expanded procedures to begin checking the accuracy and propriety of transactions". The Boards of Finance and Selectmen refused to reeagnize the problems or improvements and withheld administrative support of my efforts. 1 reduced the Auditor's 30 page lst of deficiencies to 10 pages of problems, none of which were under my contro. Inthe course of my work I diseovered the ‘complete lack of controls surrounding land use bond checks and began the process, which is stil ongoing, of sorting out years of unrecorded and confused accounts. [also found that the Town had failed to apply for over $600,000 in school construction reimbursements from the state. This money is now on deposit and available for Westbrook to pay down it's existing high debt. small but significant achievement and sign of progress was reducing this years auditing fee due to the improved controls and procedures intend to continue my efforts to provide strict financial controls and provide Westbrook citizens and outside agencies information that is reliable and trustworthy. I encourage you to contact me at the Town Hall or home for information, All our data is public and verified by the independent auditors. Respectiully, Darlene Jones ‘Town Treasurer