DeSoto City Council receives clean audit report from Forvis Mazars LLP

The DeSoto City Council held a special meeting on March 17, 2025, focusing on key administrative and financial matters. The meeting featured discussions on city prosecution systems and the presentation of the fiscal year 2024 annual comprehensive financial report.

A significant topic addressed was the communication gap between the city’s prosecution system and the municipal court system. Council members expressed concerns about the lack of integration between these systems, which complicates the process of tracking legal matters. It was noted that city administrators must rely on court clerks for information, as the systems do not share data. This issue highlights the need for improved technological solutions to enhance efficiency in city operations.

The meeting also included a presentation by Lakita Sutton, the assistant finance director, regarding the fiscal year 2024 audit results. Sutton announced that the city had contracted with a new auditing firm, Forvis Mazars LLP, which conducted a thorough review of the city’s financial statements. The audit concluded with an unmodified or "clean" opinion, indicating that the financial statements accurately reflect the city’s financial position. This positive outcome was attributed to the hard work of the finance team, who were acknowledged for their efforts throughout the audit process.

Josh Finlay, a director at Forvis Mazars, provided an overview of the audit findings, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in city finances. He encouraged council members to review the management discussion and analysis section of the audit report for a comprehensive understanding of the city’s financial activities during the fiscal year.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to improving its administrative processes and maintaining financial integrity. The council will continue to address the integration of city systems and ensure that financial audits are conducted effectively to uphold public trust.