LIVERMORE — In order to provide a system of checks and balances, members of the select board voted Monday night to have a three-page receipt for items people bring to the transfer station. 

Town Treasurer Amy Byron told the board the cash receipt process has been an item on the audit management letter for some time. When items are brought to the transfer station, cash or checks are received and a receipt is given, if requested. The money collected is usually brought to the Town Office once a week.

The three-page receipt would have one placed on the item, another given to the customer and the third sent to the Town Office. People bringing items to the station would receive a bill once a month from the town rather than paying at the time of drop-off.

Byron said this would remove the need to handle cash at the transfer station. While the town’s TRIO system is set up to cover this, it doesn’t have the software program needed. She estimated the software would be $350. Five hundred receipts would cost $66.

Board member Megan Dion said the auditor advised a more secure accounting system.

“We need two sets of eyes,” board member Rod Newman said. One person should be handling the money and the other the receipt book. Station attendant Juanita Jordan-Bryant isn’t always going to be there “and we need to look down the road,” he said.

It was suggested that Jordan-Bryant bring collected cash to the Town Office once the transfer station closes. That could be an issue on days when both close at the same time. Mileage costs could increase and there would be added costs associated with the billing.

Byron expressed concern about nonpayment. The town could pay more in legal fees to collect payment than the amount owed. 

Dion said the new system would have added costs associated with billing.

Newman said everything needs a tag on it. There is no way to check in the event of an audit if that isn’t done, he said.

Using a safe or lockbox at the transfer station was discussed but most felt it wasn’t an option.

After voting to use the receipt system, it was decided that Byron and Administrative Assistant Carrie Castonguay will research further and bring findings to the board for consideration.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net