Independent auditors give Ottawa County a clean opinion; county shows improved net position in 2023

An independent audit of Ottawa County's FY2023 financial statements was presented to the Finance & Administration Committee on April 2. Peter Hefner, representing the audit firm, said the auditors'opinion is that the financial statements "present fairly in all material respects." He summarized the county's consolidated position: governmental net position of roughly $201 million, capital assets net about $142 million, restricted net position about $32 million and unrestricted net position about $28 million. The county reported governmental revenues of approximately $243 million and expenses of about $230 million, producing a net increase in net position of about $13.6 million for the year.

Hefner told the committee the audit was performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and government auditing standards and that the firm identified no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting or in internal control over federal grant compliance for major programs. He pointed to specific notes and schedules in the report that explain fund balances, restricted funds and the county's use of reserves for capital projects (including a courthouse project that affected nonmajor funds).

Committee members praised the work of county finance staff for assembling the comprehensive report; a roll‑call vote approved receiving the audit and forwarding the annual comprehensive financial report to the Board of Commissioners.

Next steps: The report will be forwarded to the Board and is available on the county website and at the Michigan Department of Treasury, as noted by the auditors.