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Washington County reports clean 2024 audit, highlights $100M in capital investments and GFOA awards
Summary
Accounting and Finance Director Kat Piefel told the county board the 2024 financial statements earned a clean opinion from CliftonLarsonAllen, the county maintained a strong fund balance and made nearly $100 million in capital investments; commissioners congratulated staff and noted a reduced number of audit findings from the prior year.
Accounting and Finance Director Kat Piefel reported to the Washington County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 that CliftonLarsonAllen issued a clean opinion on the county's 2024 financial statements, marking the most favorable audit outcome and confirming the county's financial records and internal controls are functioning as intended.
Piefel said the county invested nearly $100,000,000 in capital infrastructure, facilities and equipment in 2024, including major road and bridge work, the Northern Environmental Center, park improvements and land and water legacy projects. The county also issued $25,900,000 in general obligation bonds to support a new central services and licensing center and Central Park work and reported over $3,200,000 in bond premium that reduced net borrowing needs.
The presentation noted one audit finding in 2024, an improvement from four findings in the prior year. Piefel described continued strengthening of internal controls and follow-up on prior recommendations. She highlighted an $18,600,000 net gain in the county's other post-employment benefits trust after a $4,000,000 withdrawal to cover retiree health obligations and said revenues exceeded expenditures by $29,000,000 for the year.
The county also reported recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the Popular Annual Financial Report and the 2025 budget presentation, honors the county has received repeatedly. Commissioners thanked Piefel and the audit and budget teams for their work and acknowledged the role of ARPA and prudent investment management in stabilizing reserves.
Director Piefel said the county plans continued attention to strengthening internal controls and to using fund balance and strategic borrowing to support long-term capital priorities.
