Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), of which Massapequa Water District Commissioners Thomas P. Hand is president and Raymond J. Averna is first vice president, recently held a special financial training session hosted by Westbury Water District commissioners Vincent Abbatiello, Kenneth O. Jones and William C. Olson that was led by Kathleen Cannon, CPA and business manager of the Jericho Water District. Addressing the topic of “Fiscal Responsibilities of Commissioners & The Budget Process,” Cannon’s presentation included sections on the New York State Tax Cap and Property Tax Freeze’s current law regarding government efficiency plans. Among topics discussed were key fiscal responsibilities of water commissioners, which included the development and maintaining of water district policies and procedures, monitoring fiscal operations, conducting internal audits and developing an annual budget.
“Budget development is a serious process that requires meticulous attention to detail,” said Cannon. “Water districts are required to submit an annual budget for approval from the town in which they are located. With this in mind, the process should involve a team effort led by a budget officer, with water commissioners’ ultimate responsibility to set a realistic, structurally balanced budget.”
“This is the latest in our series of Continuing Education and Training. It was particularly apropos because it helped prepare our commissioners, superintendents and business managers for their budget processes,” said Hand. “Ms. Cannon’s ability to articulate the intricacies of each topic was greatly appreciated by all in attendance.”
For more information about Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association, please contact NSWCA president Thomas P. Hand via phone at 516-798-5269 or email tphand@massapequawater.com.
