PALESTINE —
Anderson County’s 2011 finances are in good shape, according to the annual outside auditor’s report presented to commissioners during their regular meeting on Monday.
John Manning, CPA and partner in the Government Audit Division at Pattillo, Brown & Hill LLP in Waco, presented the report to the court, stating that the county received an “unqualified opinion” from the firm.
“(An unqualified opinion) is the highest level the firm can give,” Manning said. “It is very good and its helps in getting grants (and other types of funding).”
Manning also reported that the audit included a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which could earn the county a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
“That is also a good thing,” he said.
The county’s net assets were positive in all categories and there were no red flags noted on the balance sheet. The income statement showed a fund balance of $4.7 million.
“That is a very good reserve — about a 1/4 year savings, which is right where it is recommended to be,” Manning said.
Also according to Manning, the county collected more revenue than budgeted in 2011 and spent less than budgeted as well.
“Being able to stay under budget and still have fund balance is a credit to the county and to your auditor (Karin Smith),” he said. “Nothing needs major improvement. Everything went very smooth.”
Precinct 1 Commissioner Joe Chaffin and Anderson County Judge Robert Johnston offered high praise for the county auditor’s office for helping to keep the county in good financial shape.
“I want to thank (county auditor) Karin Smith for coming in here and doing an outstanding job on our budget,” Chaffin said. “I think last year, we went through the smoothest budget process I have ever been involved in.”
“I agree,” Johnston said. “They (the county auditor’s office) have gone above and beyond from where we were, and now we can put in for an award — we have improved leaps and bounds from two years ago.”
Also on Monday, commissioners:
• APPROVED minutes from previous meetings, reports from county officials, budget amendments and bills.
• APPROVED extending comp time for Cynthia Singletary, Bond Supervision, through July 31, 2012.
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Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com
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County in good financial shape
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