Red flags in Antrim
A careful perusal of Antrim’s 2025 Town Report raises a red flag concerning the town’s finances. Specifically, the independent auditor’s report for 2024 (which begins on page 25 of the Town Report) shows an “adverse” opinion regarding the town’s “governmental activities.” One can read the basis of this opinion in the auditor’s report. Adverse findings such as this can materially affect the town’s ability to borrow money and the conditions (e.g., interest rates) for loans or bonds that the town may pursue. Before the start of the Town Meeting last Thursday evening, I approached the moderator and Select Board chair, asking (within earshot of the other selectmen and the town administrator) that I be allowed to raise this issue before warrant articles involving finances were brought to a vote. While this discussion was in progress, the moderator gaveled the meeting to order effectively ending the discussion and the issue was ignored for the remainder of the meeting. So much for open and honest government.