Hartland receives unmodified audit opinion for 2025; general fund, utilities in strong positions

Baker Tilly presented the Village of Hartland’s 2025 financial audit and issued an unmodified opinion, the firm’s senior manager told the board. Michelle Walter said the unmodified opinion indicates the financial statements are materially accurate, appropriate accounting policies were followed and disclosures are adequate.

Key figures highlighted at the meeting: general fund revenues of about $9.7 million and expenditures near $9.2 million, with net transfers and operations increasing the general fund balance by roughly $213,000 to approximately $7.5 million. The firm reported the village’s fund‑balance policy target of 25% of budgeted revenues was met comfortably (management reported a roughly 58% ratio or the equivalent cited in the presentation). Utilities also showed positive results: the water utility reported net income and an unrestricted net position around $4.2 million; sewer net position was reported around $12 million with unrestricted position near $6.8 million, reflecting contributions from a TIF district for infrastructure.

Baker Tilly said no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal control were identified and reported no independence issues or audit difficulties. The auditors also reviewed long‑term obligations, noting governmental funds had roughly $21 million of long‑term debt and business‑type funds about $3 million, obligations stretching through 2045. The presentation and the accompanying narrative reporting and insights document will be filed with the village records.

Board members asked clarifying questions about terminology (unmodified vs. qualified opinions) and fund details; staff and the auditor provided page references in the audit documents for managers’ discussion and analysis, fund details, and capital project accounting.