Audit Finds General Fund Surplus in Shelby Despite Challenges

Shelby Township realized a general fund surplus in 2012 despite a nearly $1.5 million drop in overall revenue, a recent audit revealed.

This was the fifth-straight general fund surplus, and came as the township had a rise in expenditures from 2011 to 2012, which included $2.6 million which went to capital outlay projects for roads and township infrastructure. There was also a $1.7 million increase in costs associated with public safety, the township stated in a release.

“It is not getting cheaper to provide vital services to our residents,” Shelby Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis said in a release. “But Shelby Township has proven again and again that a municipality can provide those services and improve quality of life for residents without raising taxes now or mortgaging the financial future.”

The audit by Plante Moran, the township's auditor, found a $185,159 surplus which increased Shelby's fund balance from$10.1 million to $10.3 million.

“Despite all the challenges the Township has faced in declining revenues, the Township general fund has been able to maintain a fund balance, which many communities have had trouble doing or been unable to do,” Lisa Manetta of Plante Moran said in the release. 

The supervisor stated in a release that the township is in a position to address the economic challenges due to the work of the Board of Trustees, department heads and employees over the past four years.

“Business as usual leads communities down a road of financial ruin, and we will not tolerate business as usual in ShelbyTownship,” Stathakis said. 

While the township realized a surplus, the board will continue to address the budget and a decline in the police department's fund balance at a June 27 work session that will include a review of the Police Department by independent consultant John Kaczor.