County auditor: Sussex County ended 2024 with stronger fund balance; segregation‑of‑duties recommendation remains

County Auditor Ray Cerinelli presented the Sussex County 2024 audit to the Board of County Commissioners on May 14, reporting an increase in the general operating fund balance and recommending continued attention to internal controls in certain outside offices.

Cerinelli said the county began 2024 with about $21.76 million in fund balance, spent $7.7 million and generated roughly $8.77 million in revenues during the year, ending with approximately $22.83 million. "So end of the year at 22,830,000.00. So, very good year financially," Cerinelli said.

Nut graf: Cerinelli credited strong interest income and grant cash positions for the results, noted a year‑over‑year cash reduction attributable to prior high grant receipts, and urged ongoing review of segregation of duties in outside offices as an annual audit recommendation.

Cerinelli highlighted $3.87 million in interest revenue collected in 2024, calling it historically high, and noted the county remains within its fund‑balance policy at about 18.1 percent. He also reviewed capital activity: a number of large capital projects are underway and total authorized debt was reduced by roughly $7 million without compromising the long‑term capital plan.

The auditor identified one recurring audit recommendation: improved segregation of duties in certain outside offices. "The finance office does a great job with mitigating controls... but outside offices aren't necessarily have the optimal level of controls," Cerinelli said.

Discussion vs. decision: The presentation was informational; commissioners thanked the auditor and asked comparative questions about how Sussex County stacks up versus other counties. No formal vote or budget action was taken during the presentation.

Ending: Cerinelli said he expects interest revenue to decline from 2024 levels and advised continued fiscal prudence through the budget process.