Independent auditor issues clean opinions; board accepts Liberty Hill ISD 2024–25 annual financial report

Clayton Rogers, audit manager with Patillo, Brown & Hill, presented the district’s 2024–25 annual financial audit and reported two unmodified (clean) opinions: one on the district’s financial statements and one on federal grant compliance.

Rogers summarized highlights from the report, including a general‑fund unassigned balance of about $15.2 million and recently issued bonds noted on the schedule of long‑term obligations (approximately $123 million in bonds shown for the year). He also explained a new accounting standard that requires reporting certain liabilities annually—such as an actuarial pension liability and a reported compensated‑absences estimate (the audit letter references management’s estimate of roughly $3.2 million for compensated absences).

"We were able to render a clean opinion over federal grant compliance as well," Rogers said, noting no disagreements with management, no findings of fraud, and no material weaknesses in internal controls.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about the compensated‑absences estimate and the district’s fund balance compared with the TEA recommended three‑month operating level (about $25 million). Rosanna Guerrero explained the district ended 2024–25 with approximately $15 million in fund balance and that the timeframe to reach a TEA‑recommended level will depend on future budget decisions, enrollment and staffing choices.

Trustee Miss Hargrove moved to approve the Liberty Hill ISD annual financial report for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2025; the motion was seconded and carried.

The board’s acceptance formalizes the audit presentation and authorizes placement of the annual financial report in the district record.

Next steps: staff will continue monthly financial reporting and return with budget recommendations and adjustments as necessary.