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Independent audit issues unmodified opinion; auditor flags some overspending and next‑step reporting
Summary
An independent audit firm presented an unmodified opinion on Cleveland County's 2023 financial statements, noted upward fund‑balance and a reduction in debt, and identified departmental overspending and required follow‑up responses to the Local Government Commission.
Thompson, Pross, Scott & Adams presented the Cleveland County 2023 audit at the May 19 meeting, issuing an unmodified (clean) opinion on the county's financial statements while identifying several findings that require responses.
Auditor Alan Thompson told commissioners that the firm issued an unmodified report and highlighted positive trends: fund balance and general fund increases, a reduction in debt and solid cash balances. Key numbers mentioned included an unassigned/general fund balance and fund‑balance percentages that show an improving trend over a five‑year period. Thompson noted certain departments had overspent budgets (one related to ARPA funds) and that there were routine Medicaid findings; he also cautioned about procurement card controls.
Next steps: Thompson said finance staff should prepare a response to the Local Government Commission (LGC) explaining corrective actions; the auditor suggested the county's response typically resolves the matters. The board asked for clarification on landfill closure/post‑closure accruals; Thompson referenced an accrued amount in the audit (approximately $25,600,000) for closure and post‑closure costs.
No formal board action was required beyond receiving the audit and directing finance to prepare the LGC response.
