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Auditor gives parish clean opinion; staff report cost savings and schedules for capital projects
Summary
The parish’s auditor presented an unmodified (clean) opinion on the parish financial statements but noted two agreed‑upon‑procedures findings about timing of bank reconciliations and deposits; staff reported procurement savings on a culvert project and provided timelines for multiple road and drainage projects.
The parish’s external auditor told the Public Works Committee on Sept. 16 that the parish received an unmodified audit opinion on the financial statements for the funds included in the report, but that two agreed‑upon‑procedures items were noted as areas for improved practice.
Audit highlights: The auditor said the financial statements were fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for funds submitted and described an "agreed‑upon‑procedures" report that identified two matters: timing of bank reconciliations and deposit of cash receipts (not performed the same day) as best‑practice deficiencies. The auditor said these findings are not material weaknesses or significant deficiencies but recommended management actions to strengthen controls.
Budget and revenue context: The auditor reviewed revenue trends, noting reassessment effects and a sales tax increase from approximately $6.6 million to $7.1 million; fund balances were described as sufficient to cover recommended operating‑reserve levels (60–90 days). The auditor cautioned that a clean opinion does not guarantee every entity is in strong financial health.
Capital‑project updates: Parish staff reported finding alternative box‑culvert material that reduced costs (~$94 decrease on the project line reported), said materials are ordered and construction is expected to begin within weeks, and provided status updates across drainage projects, Spanish Trail Industrial Park gate work, CSX road improvements, and pre‑construction activities for a control structure. Several projects were described as awaiting materials or Corps of Engineers surveys.
Next steps: Staff said change orders and intergovernmental agreements are being finalized and projects will proceed as materials and permitting allow. No formal vote on budget changes was recorded in the provided excerpt.
