Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Opelika commission approves clean audit for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024
Summary
The City of Opelika accepted its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, receiving an unmodified (clean) opinion from the external auditor; commissioners praised staff and an efficiency audit was scheduled.
The City Commission of Opelika on Aug. 25 accepted the city’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, awarding the report an unmodified — or “clean” — opinion from the external auditor.
City Manager Shamika Lawson said the annual financial report was completed by the external auditing firm Markham LLP and requested commission approval. Finance Director Miss Gantz and representatives from the auditing firm were present for questions.
Commissioners emphasized why the report matters. Mayor Taylor congratulated the manager and the finance team, saying the city is “up to date” on its audits. Lawson said the unmodified opinion reflected staff responsiveness to auditor requests and accurate records.
Commissioners also asked about a separate efficiency audit. Lawson said that audit will begin Sept. 2 and continue through Dec. 31, with the goal of helping the city exit financial oversight.
The commission voted 4-0 to approve the audited financial statements.
Background: An unmodified opinion from an independent auditor indicates the auditor found the financial statements fairly presented, in all material respects, under applicable accounting standards. The city said Markham LLP sent the report by email prior to the meeting.
The commission also recognized staff work that produced the timely audit and noted the upcoming efficiency audit as the next step for financial oversight and process improvement.
