Auditor issues unmodified opinion on Routt County 2024 financial statements and federal compliance

McMahon & Associates presented its audit of Routt County's 2024 financial statements during the commissioners' Sept. 8 work session and issued an unmodified (clean) audit opinion on both the county's financial reporting and federal-grant compliance.

Auditor Mike Jenkins summarized key figures: total government-wide assets of roughly $364 million (up about $24 million from 2023); approximately $100 million in cash and investments; net capital assets (roads, buildings and equipment) of about $280 million; total liabilities around $12.7 million, with long-term liabilities near $4.8 million; and net position of roughly $315 million. The audit notes the county's strong fund balances, which totaled about 63% of 2024 expenditures, and commended the county's committed-reserve policy.

Auditors observed the county's conservative budgeting and effective internal controls, described recent improvements (for example, the sheriff's office digital ticketing system), and reported no new material findings requiring corrective action. The audit packet included the management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) narrative for context; auditors recommended continued attention to reporting changes under upcoming accounting standards and to staffing transitions that may affect institutional knowledge.

Commissioners asked about future reporting risks, inflation effects and staff turnover; auditors said the county is well positioned but should continue monitoring federal/state reporting requirements and plan for personnel changes in finance and accounting roles.

No formal board action was required; the audit will be included in the county record and the auditor agreed to send the presentation materials to the commissioners.