Gautier council accepts clean 2024 audit, approves FY2026 budget and staff raises

The Gautier City Council on Sept. 16 received a "clean, unmodified opinion" on its audited financial statements for the year ended Sept. 30, 2024, and voted to accept the audit and publish a synopsis.

Sandy Hintches of the audit firm identified in the meeting packet told the council the audit showed no material weaknesses, no significant deficiencies and no material noncompliance; she also noted roughly $4,100,000 in federal expenditures for the fiscal year. "You had for the financial statements, you had a clean, unmodified opinion," Hintches said during the presentation.

Councilwoman Jamieson moved to receive and accept the audit and authorize publication of the synopsis; the motion was seconded and the council approved the action after members thanked city staff and the finance team. Council members specifically thanked City Manager and finance staff for resolving a prior deficiency and improving the city's financial position.

Immediately following the audit vote, the council approved FY2026 budget pay adjustments that city staff presented as a revision of the order discussed at the prior meeting. Comptroller/City Clerk Teresa Montgomery told the council the FY2026 payroll adjustments follow the previously circulated order and reflect revised start dates for employees. Several council members voiced support: "This is well deserved raises for the city staff," Councilwoman Jamieson said, and others expressed appreciation for efforts to retain employees.

The council also approved the docket of claims presented by the clerk. No formal dissent was recorded on the audit acceptance or the FY2026 pay adjustments.

Next steps: the audit synopsis will be published as authorized and city staff will implement the pay adjustments as approved in the FY2026 budget package.