Berkley Commercial Businesses Will Receive a Credit on Their Next Utility Bill
Berkley, MI - November 22, 2019 –The City of Berkley recently completed its annual fiscal audit with Plante Moran. From the presentation and findings, it was noted by the auditors that there was an overcharge of approximately $100.00 to our three hundred and fifty commercial businesses.
This oversight occurred with the Great Lakes Water Authority, the ultimate recipient of these funds, who lowered their rate beyond what was approved by the City Council for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Due to the local rate not being readjusted, commercial businesses that were overcharged will be receiving a credit on their account in the amount equal to what they were overcharged, and will see this within their next billing statement.
To ensure this type of oversight does not happen again, the City’s finance department has instated procedures and protocols within the City’s accounting system that will make sure to update to the latest utility bill rate, as well as, conduct a manual check to the system to make sure the rates have updated accordingly.
The City’s finance director, Mark Pollock, and staff are always working to provide timely and accurate financial data to our departments, as well as, our audit partners, Plante Moran. By presenting and capturing an extensive and detail report consistent with the established government accounting standards, the City received an Unqualified Opinion rating by the auditors which is the highest rating a municipality can receive on a financial audit.
For more details on the City of Berkley’s financial audit, a presentation conducted by the representatives of Plante Moran will happen on December 2, 2019, at the City Council Meeting. Information on the financial audit can also be found on the City’s website at www.berkleymich.org.