Lawton Council Accepts FY2025 Audit; Auditors Report Unmodified Opinions

The Lawton City Council on Feb. 11 voted unanimously to accept the city's financial statements and audit reports for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, after representatives from Forbus Mazars LLP told the council the city received the best possible audit findings.

Auditor Cynthia Burns told the council the audit team issued three unmodified opinions '1 on the financial statements, on internal control over financial reporting and on federal awards '1 meaning the auditors found no material misstatements. "On all 3 of those opinions, you received an unmodified opinion, which is the best opinion that you can receive," Burns said.

The auditors' presentation noted turnover in the finance department during the year and earlier software implementation challenges, and recommended continued staffing stability and use of training resources. Burns encouraged the city to use available continuing-education programs and said staff have made "great progress" closing items more quickly.

Finance director Chandra (first name used in the transcript) and staff were commended by the mayor and city manager for meeting state filing expectations; the city manager said this was the earliest recent completion the city had achieved and that the documents had been submitted electronically to the state auditor's office. After brief questions from council members, the mayor asked for a motion to accept the audit; the vote was 8-0 in favor.

What it means: Acceptance of the audit is a formal acknowledgement that the city has presented its financial position and federal-award activity without material exception. Council members framed the vote as reassurance to residents that municipal finances are being managed legally and transparently.

The next steps: The city will maintain work to close outstanding items more quickly and pursue staff training opportunities recommended by the auditors. No further council action on the audit was scheduled at the meeting.