During a recent government meeting, officials celebrated the successful organization of a Juneteenth flag-raising event, highlighting the contributions of city staff and community members. The event, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, was praised for its significance in promoting freedom and civil rights. The remarks emphasized the importance of federal enforcement in achieving civil rights milestones, from the Emancipation Proclamation to contemporary voting laws.

Following the Juneteenth celebration, the city’s Chief Financial Officer, Jim Golden, presented the annual comprehensive financial report and independent audit for 2023. Golden acknowledged the hard work of the accounting staff, particularly Diane Hanson, Susie McGinley, and Sammy Colson, in preparing the report, which has received the Government Finance Officers Association's award for excellence in financial reporting for 42 consecutive years.

The financial report revealed that the city finished 2023 with a total net position of approximately $1.557 billion, marking a $100 million increase from the previous year. The report detailed the city's assets, liabilities, and fund balances, with specific highlights available in the accompanying documents.

Jamie Essenmacher, a partner from the auditing firm Plant Moran, confirmed that the city received an unmodified opinion on its financial statements, indicating compliance with accounting standards. She noted that the city had no audit findings related to its federal grants, which totaled around $9.3 million, including significant COVID-19 recovery funds.

The meeting underscored the city’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, as well as its dedication to honoring historical milestones that shape the community's values.