Auditors told Grand Haven City Council on Dec. 1 that the fiscal year 2024–25 audit received a clean opinion and showed broadly stable finances, despite continuing long‑term liabilities.

"The audit report did have a good clean opinion on it," said Mike Vratival, the auditor who presented the report during a special work session before the regular council meeting. He summarized that governmental activities remained in line with expectations while business‑type activities — notably the Board of Light and Power — drove much of the increase in unrestricted net position.

Vratival walked council through revenue and expenditure trends, saying property tax revenue remains a primary governmental income source and that non‑major funds rose after a large transfer from the general fund to the public improvement fund to finance planned projects. He noted several small over‑budget line‑items "fairly small given the size of the budget," and said the sewer and water operations have performed well overall.

Councilmembers pressed on pension and other post‑employment benefit (OPEB) liabilities, asking about funding targets. Vratival and staff said pension funding is near the city’s stated goal (council referenced about 60% as a target and one councilmember noted a ~67% funded level), while OPEB is approximately in the mid‑30 percent range and fluctuates with actuary assumptions and market activity.

Council members and staff thanked auditors and finance personnel for their work. Councilmember remarks emphasized conservative budgeting and continuing headwinds including state revenue sharing changes.

The special work session was adjourned; the auditors said they would take follow‑up questions as needed and council directed staff to continue monitoring pension and OPEB funding and to pursue available grant and budget strategies where appropriate.