The town of Ehrhardt received a “clean opinion with no findings” on its most recent audit according to Lexington-based auditor Tim Cornelison. “Overall, everything looked good, I think the town is in good shape,” Cornelison told Ehrhardt Town Council members at their September meeting.

Cornelison said that he was able to find all the supporting information he looked for in auditing the town’s finances, that he noted received “a boat load” of grant money to improve the town’s water system.

Cornelison reported the town’s general fund showed assets of $126,000 compared to liabilities of $27,000 which represented approximately five times the amount of current assets over liabilities. “Which I think is excellent.” He said the town’s business fund (water and sewer) showed assets of $618,000 compared to liabilities of $554,000 which is approximately $60,000 over current liabilities. “I feel real good about that.”

Ehrhardt Mayor Bill Stanley thanked Cornelison for the good news about the town’s audit adding; “That sounds good Tim, but we’re still having problems finding money to pay our bills.”

Also during the meeting:

• New Ehrhardt Public Safety Chief Chad Dilling reported the fire department received a new 2000 gallon tanker truck. The new truck was purchased by the acquisition of a $171,000 FEMA grant. “It’s a real nice asset to the town,” Chief Dilling said.

The chief reported the fire department responded to two structure fires, one grass fire and one car accident with entrapment where the new “Jaws of Life” equipment was used. “It worked perfectly,” Dilling said.

Dilling reported the police department created five cases files including: An arrest for alcohol violation, one public drunk, one vehicle accident and two dog complaints. The chief stated in response to several 4-wheeler complaints “wemust use common sense.”

• Public Works Commissioner Freddie Copeland reported collections for water and sewer and garbage pickup for the month amounted to $12,259.29. Copeland reported 15 customers were cutoff for nonpayment of their water bill.

• In an update on the water system project it was reported that sensors have been put in the new water tank, fencing has been replaced and it is down to the point of getting the tank disinfected. “They’re making very good progress. They anticipate having the pipes laid by sometime in November,” Councilman Freddie Copeland said.