Reporting by Michael T. Baldwin, 11/23/21
Some criticism for the Alfred Town Board following a state comptroller’s audit. According to an audit summary, the Alfred Town Supervisor did not properly appoint, and the Board and Supervisor did not properly monitor the bookkeeper. The Supervisor appointed the Town Clerk as bookkeeper which is an incompatibility of office and duties. As a result, checks and balances over the powers and duties of these positions were not maintained. Further, the Supervisor did not ensure the Clerk, while acting as the Supervisor’s bookkeeper, prepared and filed the Town’s annual update documents as required. The Board did not audit the Town’s books and records, as required. The Alfred Town Board responded by saying that the town board hired an outside bookkeeper in July, and the town supervisor will conduct monthly reviews of financial statements and other reports.
Additional credit: WLEA News Radio
Pa. Dept. of Health (DOH) reports an upswing in Potter County residents being vaccinated against the COVID-19 coronavirus as the holiday season draws closer. An average of 25 people per day have been receiving an initial vaccine or a booster shot over the past week. Potter County’s vaccination rate — which remains barely half of the statewide figure — has passed the 40-percent milestone. DOH figures also show that active case count in Potter County stood at 206 as of Sunday. As of Sunday, UPMC Cole reported that it was treating 17 COVID patients, four of whom were in the Intensive Care Unit.
Nearly $14 million has been awarded to protect clean water across the state. This funding will support agricultural water quality conservation projects across the state, benefiting 91 farms, and is provided through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control program. $130,040 was awarded to the Allegany County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Genesee River Watershed. This project will, among other things, convert cropland into permanent pasture to reduce loss of sediment and nutrients and address a high priority sub-watershed that is part of the Genesee River Nine Element Watershed Plan.
