HOMER, La. — The Town of Homer has introduced a comprehensive Mayor’s Checklist of Regular Accounting Tasks to be Performed, a new guide designed to help ensure continuity, transparency, and sound financial management for future administrations.
According to town officials, the checklist was developed by the town’s accountant and fiscal administrator to ensure all critical accounting responsibilities continue to be performed once fiscal administration concludes.
The document outlines the routine financial oversight responsibilities expected of the mayor, who serves as the town’s chief executive, and provides guidance for appointing a selectman to carry out these duties if the mayor is unavailable.
Promoting Accountability
Town officials say the checklist is intended to help maintain compliance with regular accounting principles and ensure important financial tasks are completed on time.
Among the responsibilities outlined in the document are:
Reviewing monthly bank statements and reconciliations.
Monitoring payroll and payroll tax deposits.
Verifying utility payment deposits and bank records.
Reviewing and approving accounts payable and town bills.
Ensuring bond payments and loan obligations are made on time.
Monitoring IRS payment plan requirements.
Reviewing monthly financial summaries and trust account statements.
Confirming utility bills are prepared and mailed on schedule.
Verifying employee benefit and payroll reporting requirements.
Ensuring quarterly and annual tax reporting deadlines are met.
Updating the checklist as needed for future administrations.
The checklist also emphasizes the importance of documenting reviews and maintaining oversight of the town’s financial records throughout the year.
Resource for Mayoral Candidates
The Town of Homer is encouraging all current and prospective mayoral candidates to become familiar with the document and the fiscal responsibilities associated with serving as mayor.
Officials say understanding these duties is essential to maintaining the town’s financial stability and ensuring compliance with state and federal reporting requirements.
By creating a standardized guide, the town hopes to provide future administrations with a clear roadmap for managing municipal finances and preserving continuity in day-to-day fiscal operations.
Town leaders noted that the checklist is intended to serve as a living document and may be updated as needed to reflect changes in financial procedures, regulations, or administrative practices.
