Town audit shows unmodified opinions but flags four internal-control recommendations

Michael Lazon, CPA, audit partner with Heinfeld Meach, presented the town’s FY24–25 annual external audit to the council on Jan. 8 and reported an unmodified opinion on the financial statements and on federal single-audit compliance. The unmodified opinion is the highest level auditors can issue and indicates the firm found the town’s financial statements to be presented fairly in all material respects.

Key findings: Lazon said the audit produced an unmodified opinion but identified four recommendations for internal improvements: strengthening information-technology policies, improving documentation and personnel-file maintenance, timely conflict-of-interest disclosures, and addressing benchmarks tied to a WIFA grant that may put that grant at risk unless management’s corrective actions succeed.

Context and next steps: Lazon told the council the town has been responsive and is developing an action plan to implement corrective items. No significant deficiencies or material weaknesses were reported in the financial statements or in federal-program compliance, according to the presentation.

Attribution: The presentation and the unmodified-opinion language were delivered by Michael Lazon (audit partner). Selena Morris introduced the presentation per meeting remarks and the audit was presented in compliance with state requirements for public reporting.