Forensic audit mulled in Middleboro

MIDDLEBORO -- Select Board members agreed to seek more information on a forensic audit of the 2025 town budget in the wake of the current shortfall.

The move, Select Board member Teresa Farley said at the March 30 meeting, would help the town understand what led to the current situation.

Next year’s proposed budget, Interim Town Manager Joseph Perkins has said, faces a $3 million shortfall that will result in layoffs.

“We need to understand how we got here and not allow this to happen again,’’ Farley said.

She asked the town to seek information on what a forensic audit would look like and details on the cost. When that information is obtained, she said, the town could decide on next steps.

An official audit of the 2025 budget, which done every year by a third-party auditor, is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of April, Perkins said.

Select Board member Brian Giovanoni said he would prefer to bring in a consultant who would “come in and say, this is how you’re going to get back on your feet.’’ Without making some changes, there will be additional layoffs next year as well, he said.

Forensic audits, he said, look for “malfeasance’’ but do not offer specific advice.

Board members agreed, in the end, to at least take preliminary steps toward a possible forensic audit.

This sends the message, Farley said, that “we agree as a board that this is important.’’