Lee County audit wins clean opinion; board hears strong balance sheet and no findings

Lee County commissioners accepted an independent audit on Jan. 15 that produced an unmodified (clean) opinion and found no material weaknesses or uncorrected misstatements.

Armando Sanchez, managing principal at SJT Group, told the board the firm conducted the first-year audit after an auditor rotation required by the state and found the county’s financial statements to be materially correct. Kim Mitchell, the audit manager, highlighted that the auditors identified no reportable findings, no control deficiencies and no disagreements with management during the engagement.

Sanchez said the county meets government auditing standards and the state audit rule, noting the county expended about $13,200,000 in federal grant funds this year and that major programs tested (including coronavirus relief funds) complied with direct and material requirements. He also called out the county’s recognition by the Government Audit Quality Center for its comprehensive financial reporting.

Mitchell presented high-level figures showing substantial assets and liquidity: government-wide capital assets reported in the audit increased and cash and investments remain strong. The audit report shows the county’s consolidated financial position improved year over year, with restricted cash and investments noted alongside a significant net asset balance.

Commissioners thanked finance staff for assembling the statements internally and for meeting audit deadlines. Following the presentation, a motion to accept the audit and the related minutes passed by roll call vote.

Next steps: the auditors’ report will be included in the county’s published annual comprehensive financial report and the county will continue implementing routine internal-control monitoring and reporting required by state rules.