County auditor reports $1.38 million FY2021 fund-balance increase

CPA Tony Eckler told the Ben Hill County Commissioners during the March 7 meeting that audit work showed the county’s FY2021 fund balance had increased by $1,377,986. "FY 2021 fund balance increased $1,377,986," he said, and he thanked County Manager Michael Dinnerman, CFO Darlow Maxwell, County Clerk Donna Prather and HR Director Pamela Turner for their cooperation.

Eckler reminded the commissioners that they are responsible for the county budget and encouraged them to be knowledgeable about the accounting software and the data that maintain cash flow. The comment framed the audit disclosure as both an accountability update and a reminder of elected officials’ fiscal duties.

The auditor’s remarks were delivered as part of the meeting’s appointments section; the minutes record no formal action or vote tied to the audit report. No further financial detail or recommended corrective actions were recorded in the minutes.