Morrow County audit: unmodified opinion, healthy reserves despite general fund dip; one federal reporting lapse noted

Brad Bingenheimer, a partner with the county's audit firm Singer (addressing the board), told commissioners the auditors issued an unmodified opinion on Morrow County's fiscal 2025 financial statements and reviewed key figures. "The financial statements present fairly in all material respects," Bingenheimer said. He noted accounting changes tied to implementation of a new standard that increased the recorded liability for compensated absences.

Why it matters: The audit is the board's primary independent assessment of the county's fiscal position. The presentation showed a net position of roughly $122 million and a general fund balance of $12.7 million — a one-year decrease but at a level auditors described as healthy relative to expenditures.

What the audit found: Bingenheimer said total governmental assets were about $153 million, liabilities roughly $35 million, and the county's net pension liability near $23.3 million. He told the board that the county's net position increased by about $6.5 million over the prior year despite general fund revenues and expenditures movements. "Your ending fund balance as a percentage of the expenditures for the year is still a very healthy 53%," he said. The audit reflected a $645,000 adjustment to beginning net position tied to the new accounting standard on compensated absences (GASB implementation).

Federal compliance and internal controls: The auditors reviewed federal program spending and additional compliance work required because the county spent more than $750,000 in federal funds. They audited two major programs and said their procedures covered 58% of total federal expenditures tested. The auditors reported one compliance finding: a late submission of a required report for a congressionally mandated program caused by staff turnover. Bingenheimer described that as an isolated event and said management has been advised on steps to avoid recurrence.

Board action: After questions from commissioners, the board moved to accept the FY2025 financial statements and the accompanying audit reports. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

What happens next: Auditors left commissioners with recommendations to maintain clear checklists for processes that depend on personnel transitions and said they would continue routine communication about internal controls and compliance.