Manhattan Lauded For Its Finances; PD Back Up To Full Staff

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan officials this week were lauded for their financial management, following an annual comprehensive audit.

"The Village of Manhattan continues to excel in its stewardship of the Village’s finances," according to a release. "At a time when governmental bodies are being held to even stricter accountability guidelines, the Village has once again been recognized for financial excellence."

The firm of Lauterbach & Amen, LLP just completed its annual comprehensive financial report for the Village’s fiscal year ending April 30, 2021, and based on the outcome of the audit, is once again recommending the Village be awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence. The Village has received the award 13 consecutive years.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awards municipalities a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award is one of the highest forms of recognition a governmental body can receive in accounting and financial reporting.

According to the latest audit report, for a government to receive the award, it “must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized annual comprehensive financial report. This report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.”

The Village’s Finance Director Glenn Gehrke has been with the Village for 2.5 years and is pleased the Village is being recognized once again.

“I am proud of the work the finance team does and I am humbled that an outside organization recognizes it," Gehrke said.

The achievement is good for a period of one year.

"This award speaks volumes about the quality of the staff and the work they do for the residents we serve," said Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen.

At last week’s Village Board meeting, the Village also swore in two, full-time police officers and one police sergeant. Sergeant James Goode and Officers Rebecca Buhs and William Garrison took the oath of office administered by Village Clerk Shelly Lewis. Buhs and Garrison were part time officers and Goode was a patrol officer promoted to sergeant.

Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen and Police Chief Jeff Wold welcomed the new officers.

"It is great to promote officer Goode to sergeant and to bring Officer Buhs and Garrison to full-time. This brings us to full staff, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these officers grow and develop in their new positions.”