Unions of Nova Scotia Municipalities

Town of Bridgetown - Financial Audit Findings Released

A forensic audit commissioned by the province gives the Town of Bridgetown a clear understanding of its finances and gives council clear direction for the future of Bridgetown.

Based on the review of hundreds of customer accounts, the Grant Thornton audit, released on November 9, found the town lost $221,000 over five years.

$113,000 was misappropriated, $34,000 of which was subsequently returned. The town submitted an insurance claim for the remaining $79,000. Additional losses came from uncollected water and tax bills, poor record-keeping practices, and interest that cannot be collected.

The current town council submitted a five-year plan to pay off the deficit, which was approved by the province.

Bridgetown Council handed over all evidence related to the misappropriation to the RCMP.

The forensic audit also provided comments on general issues, oversight protocols and best practice policy that may have reduced the risks for fraud in Bridgetown.

"Over the coming weeks, I will review these recommendations and share them with our Towns Task Force," said Mr. MacDonell. "By sharing the lessons learned in Bridgetown, we can ensure that other small towns put the right policies and protocols in place to protect themselves and their residents."

The report can be found online at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr

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