At the December meeting the county's financial consultants reviewed the year‑to‑date statements and flagged timing and classification issues that could affect year‑end results. "This is 11 twelfths of the year through November 30 or about 92% of the year completed," consultant Steve said as he opened the report.

Steve told the committee that general‑fund revenues are lower this year compared with the prior year, in part because last year included an unusual $1.8 million state aid transaction related to Sanborn properties that inflated revenues. He said the current general fund shows "excess expenditures by about 400,000," but that some of the gap could be reduced by moving capital charges that were posted to the general fund (Steve estimated roughly $70,000–$80,000 in misclassified capital spending).

The consultants also identified timing issues in the highway enterprise and road and bridge accounts. Steve and Mike said the county had completed contracted projects (identified as projects G and H) that have not yet been billed to the road and bridge fund, creating an apparent deficit. Mike and Steve pointed to roughly $900,000 in reimbursements expected for the Madeline Island grant and about $238,000 tied to the G G LRIP project; together those and related billings approach $1 million or more in incoming revenue expected to correct that fund's cash position prior to audit.

Consultants emphasized that some revenues (for example sales tax receipts and reimbursements) are timing‑sensitive and could materially change the year‑end balance; they said there was a reasonable chance the county could finish the year near net zero if the expected reimbursements and revenue accruals occur. Committee members asked clarifying questions about levy worksheets and the prior‑year levy balance, which staff and the consultants addressed.

No formal action was required on the report; consultants will continue monitoring billings and work with staff before the audit.