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Town of Montgomery fails audit, lacking payment documentation, budget | Louisiana

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Town of Montgomery fails audit, lacking payment documentation, budget | Louisiana

www.thecentersquare.com – By Emilee Calametti | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-03-31 15:37:00

(The Center Square) — A recent audit showed the town of Montgomery lacked several supporting documents, including vendor payments, operating losses, and meeting minutes for the Board of Aldermen.

After failing to complete an audit report before the deadline and reconcile financial accounts, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office released an audit summary on March 26 detailing its findings for Montgomery’s 2023 fiscal year.

The independent auditor did not provide an opinion due to the findings.

“We do not express an opinion on the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, business-type activities, and each major fund of the town,” the report said. “Because of the significance of the matter described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of our report, we have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on the financial statements.”

The auditor could not perform necessary procedures due to the lack of documentation concerning transactions and bank reconciliations. An analysis by management showed that the town overlooked adopting a budget for the audited period.

No meeting minutes for the Board of Aldermen were recorded, for the year ending Dec. 31, 2022, concerning budget. The lack of minutes is reported by the auditor to be an administrative oversight. Failing to adopt a budget violates state law and the Home Rule Charter.

The schedule of findings provided by the independent auditor states no documentation was available to support various vendor payments for the first quarter of 2023.

Findings also showed the utility system reported substantial operating losses, which resulted in a depletion of finances. Rates were not adjusted to offset costs, resulting in a significant decrease in funds. Montgomery officials submitted the audit late in violation of state law.

There were also cases of reconciliation issues and payroll documentation. According to the auditor, the bank accounts operated by the town had not been properly reconciled. As for payroll, employees recorded their timesheets but there is no record of supervisor approval for some. 

The different findings were originally reported in 2021, some in 2022, and now again for the 2023 audit. 

Montgomery, population 620, is located in north central Louisiana on the west bank of the Red River. 

Emilee Ruth Calametti serves as staff reporter for The Center Square covering the Northwestern Louisiana region. She holds her M.A. in English from Georgia State University and soon, an additional M.A. in Journalism from New York University. Emilee has bylines in DIG Magazine, Houstonia Magazine, Bookstr, inRegister, The Click News, and the Virginia Woolf Miscellany. She is a Louisiana native with over seven years of journalism experience.

The post Town of Montgomery fails audit, lacking payment documentation, budget | Louisiana appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Bon Bon Vivant talk music and performance at Wednesday at the Square in New Orleans

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Bon Bon Vivant talk music and performance at Wednesday at the Square in New Orleans

www.youtube.com – WWLTV – 2025-04-23 08:43:57

SUMMARY: Bon Bon Vivant, a dynamic New Orleans band, has a busy schedule with 7 concerts in the next 3 weeks, including a performance at Jazz Fest on May 2nd. Band members Abigail Coscio and Jeremy Kelly, along with their bandmates, discussed their upcoming shows, including a single release titled “Sin Eater” in mid-May. The song explores a dark yet romantic concept, inspired by the historical practice of sin eating. The band, known for its eclectic mix of sounds, is excited to showcase new music, including “Odetta,” and will feature dancers at Jazz Fest for an enhanced performance experience.

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Bon Bon Vivant has been playing music together since 2013, formed in the French Quarter of New Orleans. They

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Tremell Brown talks about what to expect at this year's A Taste of New Orleans

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Tremell Brown talks about what to expect at this year's A Taste of New Orleans

www.youtube.com – KSAT 12 – 2025-04-23 08:31:29

SUMMARY: Tremell Brown discusses the upcoming “A Taste of New Orleans” festival in San Antonio, a three-day celebration of food and music that supports scholarship funds and community programs. This year highlights a new food item, the Budan taco, alongside classics like crawfish and beignets. The event includes various music genres, a family-friendly atmosphere with a kids’ zone, and convenient transportation via VIA. The festival runs from Friday to Sunday, featuring collectible medals and volunteer support. Tickets are available online and at select locations, with kids 12 and under free. It promises a festive experience blending culture and community.

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Tremell Brown stopped by GMSA+ to interview with Ernie Zuniga and Stephanie Serna about this year’s A Taste of New Orleans.

ABOUT THE EVENT

A Taste of New Orleans attendees can savor New Orleans-style cuisine, including gumbo, while enjoying a variety of jazz and blues music. Tickets are $22 for people 13 years and older. A Taste of New Orleans will be from noon to 11 p.m. at the Sunken Garden Theatre, 3875 N. St. Mary’s St.

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FOX 14 Your Morning News: Job search challenges for the Class of 2025

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FOX 14 Your Morning News: Job search challenges for the Class of 2025

www.youtube.com – KTVE – 2025-04-23 08:13:44

SUMMARY: As the Class of 2025 prepares to enter the workforce, new research from Robert Half reveals significant challenges for early career professionals. Over 70% of graduates struggle to secure interviews and get their resumes noticed in a competitive job market. To improve chances of success, experts recommend being flexible with job opportunities, considering contract positions, and emphasizing soft skills like communication. Additionally, graduates should seek guidance from career experts to identify in-demand roles, particularly in fields like human resources, administrative support, and accounting. Contract roles can provide valuable experience and enhance future marketability.

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FOX 14 Your Morning News: Job search challenges for the Class of 2025

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