Dothan commission accepts annual audit after auditor issues 'unmodified opinion'

The Dothan City Commission accepted the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025, at its April 7 meeting after auditor Josh Riley of McDaniel said the firm issued an "unmodified opinion."

Riley told the commission the city's total assets were about $713 million, up roughly $81 million from the prior year, and that investments rose by about $52 million. He said liabilities increased by about $49 million, largely reflecting capital projects and related debt, and that the city's net position decreased by about $2 million. "We give an unmodified opinion," Riley said, describing the financial statements as "fairly presented, in all material respects."

The auditor highlighted rising capital assets tied to downtown and other projects and said the change in liabilities and retirement-related obligations accounted for most of the liability increase. He also praised the finance staff and said the city is in a strong financial position, noting a fund balance on the order of several hundred million dollars.

Commissioners had no substantive questions about the audit presentation. After the report, the commission recorded a motion and second and approved acceptance of the audit by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

The acceptance completes the city's audit process for fiscal 2025. Staff indicated they will continue to work with the auditor and bring any follow-up items requested by the commission back to the body.