DOR compliments Saugus efforts to rebuild finances

SAUGUS – The state is complimenting Town Manager Scott Crabtree and town officials for taking “extraordinary steps” to improve Saugus? finances.However, citing “unique circumstances” from the last year, Director of Accounts Gerard Perry said in a letter to the town that the Mass. Department of Revenue should “continue monitoring” the town?s financial situation.?Therefore, I will have to require that Saugus submit your balance sheet for the close of FY13, and free cash be approved prior to certifying your FY14 tax rate,” Perry stated.In an email, Crabtree said Saugus will continue to work hard to “rebuild the trust” of the revenue department by taking the “necessary steps to adhere to municipal finance laws” and by implementing “better financial practices.”?The Town has benefited from a collaborative partnership with Mr. Perry and his very accommodating staff at the DOR,” said Crabtree. “It was our goal to implement each of the numerous recommendations and steps outlined by Mr. Perry and the independent auditors one year ago.”According to Crabtree, some of those steps included hiring outside analysts, performing additional audits, implementing spending controls, reorganizing the financial oversight of budgets, and using a “transparent and open process” to transfer money among budgets.Crabtree also acknowledged town employees for their “professionalism and commitment” over the past year.?While I am most grateful for the collaboration with the Selectmen, Finance Committee and Town Meeting, I cannot say enough about the cooperation and dedication of the town?s financial team, each department and every employee,” said Crabtree.Selectmen Chairman Michael Serino said he thinks Crabtree is doing a “good job” and will bring up renewing his contract at Tuesday?s selectmen meeting.?Perry seems very happy with him,” said Serino. “I support him 100 percent, and I support a contract renewal for him also. I think he?s done a spectacular job in the short amount of time that he?s been on the job.”Selectmen Vice Chairman Steve Castinetti could not be reached for comment.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].