County audit returns clean opinion but flags a material weakness in internal controls

Rudd & Company presented Franklin County’s audit at the April 27 commission meeting and reported a clean audit opinion while identifying a material weakness related to internal controls.

Auditor Jay Doman told commissioners that the financial statements were "presented fairly" and that a clean opinion was issued. He explained new Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements and auditing standards resulted in additional journal entry adjustments and led to a material weakness finding regarding internal controls. Doman clarified the finding "was not related to fraud."

Treasurer Janet Kimpton raised concerns about communication during the audit process. Commissioner Zan Bowles and Kimpton both said they wanted improved communication in future audits. Chair Robert Swainston noted the county still received a clean audit opinion despite the internal control finding.

The board accepted the audit and discussed measures to improve communication and internal control practices going forward. No corrective action plan was recorded in the meeting minutes; commissioners indicated follow-up would be pursued with county staff and the auditor.