DOR: Somerset needs municipal overhaul

SOMERSET – Massachusetts state finance officials last month called for widespread changes to the town’s municipal government structure, The Herald News reported.
The Fall River-based newspaper, which described the report as “scathing,” said the Mass. Department of Revenue concluded the treasurer’s cash books are not maintained or reconciled in a timely fashion. Additionally, the department said “substantial funds were not being documented.”
The report specifically singled out town Treasurer Kathleen Trafka, who has held the position for more than two years. “In that time, [Trafka has] shown little improvement in fulfilling fundamental duties of the office,” The Herald News quoted the report as saying.
The newspaper said the report, which focused on the tax collector and treasurer offices, specifically asked the town to reconsider its chief recommendation: “to combine … the treasurer’s and tax collector’s positions.”
Additionally, the report suggested the town move towards appointing the positions, which are currently elected by voters. •

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