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North Royalton receives Auditor of State award as city posts $3.5 million General Fund gain
Summary
The Finance Committee honored Finance Director Jenny Esarey with the Auditor of States Excellence in Financial Reporting Award and received a year-end report showing a $3.5 million increase in the General Fund and income tax receipts $1.1 million over budget.
North Royalton officials on Jan. 20 presented Finance Director Jenny Esarey with the Auditor of States Excellence in Financial Reporting Award and heard a year-end financial update showing improved city finances.
Law Director Tom Kelly introduced Tina Ludwig of Auditor Keith Fabers office, who said the award recognizes local governments with clean audits and timely filings. "Its my honor to be here on behalf of Auditor Faber to present the Auditor of State Award to the City of North Royalton," Ludwig said, noting that roughly 6,000 entities are audited each year and only about 17% receive the distinction.
Esarey told the Finance Committee the City finished December "very strong," increasing the General Fund balance by about $3.5 million. She said department heads managed budgets closely, partially because several labor negotiations were unresolved during 2025 and the Police Department was not fully staffed. Esarey said income tax receipts were approximately $1.1 million over budget for the year.
Committee members also heard overtime and personnel summaries. Esarey reported General Fund overtime at about 55% and overall city overtime at about 74%. She said EMS overtime rose because of employees out on FMLA but remained under budgeted overtime thresholds and was managed by department heads.
The committee did not take action on the award or the finance report; Esarey said the department will continue to provide routine monthly statements and an annual close summary to Council.
