Treasurer says state audit is dragging on and stressing staff; board hears financial update
Summary
Treasurer Friesenberg told the board the FY25 state audit has been ongoing for months, has required repeated document requests and created heavy staff time and costs; she reported general fund cash of about $8.63 million and modest revenue changes while promising feedback to the state after audit completion.
Treasurer Friesenberg briefed the board on the district’s financial status and an extended state audit that has consumed staff time and generated repeated requests for documentation.
Friesenberg said auditors have been in the district for several months and that the team has repeatedly asked for materials the district had already provided. She described being billed hourly and said multiple auditors working on the same requests have increased staff workload and stress. "They've been here for 3 months now," Friesenberg said, and she told the board she will provide formal feedback after the audit is complete.
On the financial front, Friesenberg reported overall revenues down about 0.1% year-to-date, state aid up roughly 4.4% (about $113,000), and a cash balance of approximately $8,627,000 (about 120 days cash). She also noted a decline in a TIF payment the district is investigating and said debt payments made in November are reflected in the current numbers.
Board members expressed concern about auditor practices and discussed providing feedback to the state agency. The treasurer said the audit under review is for FY25 and that she expects to finish the process soon, pending responses to outstanding requests.
What happens next: Treasurers and board members will compile feedback for the auditing office when the process concludes; the treasurer will continue to monitor revenues and prepare for the modified tax budget and upcoming budget hearing in January.
