BREWER – Brewer Finance Director Karen McVey said the city’s 2003 fiscal audit contained “good news” when she presented the information to the City Council on Tuesday.

“The city is in excellent financial condition,” she said. “The end of the year undesignated fund balance is about $2.65 million, which equates to one month and nine days of operating expenses.”

The city’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

“This is a remarkable accomplishment considering this fund balance figure includes approximately $1.18 million in accrued liabilities that had not been incorporated in prior audits,” McVey said. “I think we’re in a very good position.”

The audit was compiled by R.H.R. Smith and Co. of Machias. Auditor Ron Smith said he’s pleased with the accomplishments the city has made in the three years his company has been working with Brewer.

“The reality is that the city of Brewer is in much better shape than last year,” he said. “Pat yourselves on the back.”

Mayor Michael Celli said leaders of the individual departments should be commended for their hard work, especially McVey.

“This is no small undertaking,” he said.

During the meeting, the council also took the following action:

. Accepted a Federal Emergency Management grant worth $134,453 to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus equipment for the Brewer Fire Department and a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant in the amount of $223,538 for waterfront development purposes.

. Posted several changes to the Land Use Code including legal terminology for adult entertainment uses and changes to provisions on subdivision reviews, roads, streets, and impact fees. The changes will be up for approval by the council at the March 2 meeting.

. Accepted several land deeds for construction of the Parallel Road between Wilson Street and Parkway South, which is set to begin March 1. The council also handed over two properties for the project. Bids for the project will be accepted until Friday, and on Feb. 19 the council will hold a special meeting to award the contract.

. Authorized issuing capital improvement bonds, not to exceed $1.3 million, for improvements to the water system including a new transmission water line from the Whiting Hill Standpipe next to the Parallel Road to Parkway South.

. Signed a resolve in support of increasing the weight limit on the Interstate Highway System to 100,000 pounds.

. Recognized the positive impact of Lee V. Hallowell on the city of Brewer through a resolve of respect.