Bid law may have been violated by Allen Fire District 6
Published 7:48 am Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Allen Parish Fire District 6 may have violated the state’s public bid law when it failed to get quotes to buy $13,583 in bunker gear for firefighters.
The finding was contained in the district’s annual audit released Monday by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office.
Certified public accountant Royce T. Scimemi of Oberlin compelled the 33-page audit of the six-member district.
State law requires entities to obtain three phone or fax quotes for purchases between $10,000 and $20,000.
Scimemi reported that no phone or facsimile documentation was provided for the purchase during the 2013 fiscal year.
In response to the finding, district officials said it was an inadvertent oversight on documentation collection only. It is now aware of the requirement under the public bid law and will adhere to the law on future purchases.
Scimemi recommends the district closely monitor future large purchases by the fire chief to ensure that adequate documentation is maintained.
Despite the finding, Scimemi noted that overall, the district continues to maintain a solid financial position and is continuing to work to improve on its financial position.
Other financial highlights in the report included:
l The district’s assets exceeded its liabilities by $1,814,363 and $1,803,450 (net position) for the fiscal years 2012 and 2013, respectively.
l For 2013, total expenses of $223,069 exceeded total revenues of $212,156, which resulted in a 2013 deficit of $10,913. For 2012, total expenses of $173,812 were exceeded by total revenues of $180,245, which resulted in a prior year surplus of $6,433.
l Total net position of $1,803,450 include capital assets of $801,654; restricted net position of $206,082 and unrestricted net position of $795,714.
l The district’s governmental funds reported total ending fund balances of $1,001,796 and $783,469, for 2013 and 2012, respectively. They reflect an increase of $218,327 in 2013 and an increase of $49,196 during 2012.
l At the end of the current fiscal year, unassigned fund balance for the general fund was $795,714, or 20 percent of total general fund expenditures and 492 percent of total general fund revenues. At the end of the prior fiscal year, unassigned fund balance for the general fund was $783,469 or 598 percent of total general fund expenditures and 435 percent of total general fund revenues.
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Online: www.lla.la.gov
