Runge’s books came back clean along with a few words of praise and some advice from the city’s auditor during Runge’s regular city council meeting April 9.

Certified Public Accountant Wayne Beyer told Mayor Homer Lott and council members Irma Ortiz and Eloy Nunez the city’s finances looked to be in excellent shape.

"I’ve seen cities this size that have literally nothing in their reserves. This city is fine," he said, pointing out Runge’s two months of reserve operating expenses and encouraging the city to go for a third.

Beyer also said the general fund was solid and the utility fund was doing very well. He also praised the city for its debt-free status.

He also had a few words of advice. The city does not have an investment policy and should look into adopting one, he said. Runge also does not have enough pledged securities — bank insurance coverage on the city’s deposits — and Beyer suggested they obtain more.

He also pointed out that Lott was making varying decisions on whose water meter should be disconnected for nonpayment.

"I recommend that the mayor follow procedures for non-payment of utilities. I also recommend the city hire an advisor to help with the everyday dos and don’ts of the city government operation," Beyer’s letter of recommendations stated.

Lott felt the need to explain his way of doing business, saying flexibility was necessary.

"When you have only five delinquent (accounts) out of 500 rate payers, I’ll take my record over anybody else’s," Lott said, adding that some people are elderly, disabled, or low-income and that discretion has to be used when deciding whose water gets cut off.

Nunez backed him up.

"We try to help people as best we can — give everybody a chance," Nunez said. "People are only human."

Beyer also suggested the city move away from using hand-written journals to keep track of financial operations. Lott said he couldn’t agree more, adding the city needs to make financial decisions based on current financial numbers instead of older ones.

He said the city has bought two new computers and currently is in the process of evaluating new accounting software.