Commissioners accept county audit showing stronger net position and reserves, auditor summary says

The Hutchinson County commissioners approved the county’s annual financial report for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024, after a summary presentation by county staff of the independent auditor’s findings.

A county presenter summarized the auditor’s opinion as showing no material weaknesses in the financial statements. The presenter reported that general‑purpose government assets and equity grew during the year, and that the county’s unrestricted reserves remain strong. Property‑tax revenue for the year was reported at about $15.5 million, an increase of roughly $1.1 million over the prior year, reflecting a rise in property valuations partly offset by a small reduction in the adopted tax rate.

The presenter also noted a noncash actuarial change in the retirement pension liability that contributed to a decrease in governmental activities expense compared with the prior year, and that capital asset activity and long‑term debt schedules were included in the auditor’s notes. Using a simple calculation based on the general fund balance and monthly spending, staff said the county held an estimated 14 months of expenditures in reserve.

County commissioners moved to accept the annual financial report prepared by Dosher, Pickens & Francis LLC for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024; the motion carried with no further discussion.

Sources: staff presentation summarizing the independent audit and the auditor’s annual financial report as presented to the Hutchinson County Commissioners Court.