External auditor issues unmodified opinion on Rochester’s 2025 finances

Jason Boynton of Cohen Resnick told the Rochester City Council that the firm is issuing an unmodified opinion on the city’s 2025 financial statements, commonly called a "clean" opinion. "Based on the work that we did, our team is comfortable saying the financial statements are fairly stated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles," Boynton said.

Boynton walked council through key figures in the annual report: about $133 million in general‑fund revenues in 2025, roughly $126 million in expenditures and transfers, and a resulting surplus of approximately $3.6 million that increased general‑fund reserves. Property‑tax collections were a major driver, with an $7.8 million increase to general‑fund property tax receipts (about an 11% year‑over‑year rise for the general fund). Public‑safety spending accounted for the largest expenditure growth, driven by police and fire increases.

He emphasized the audit covers the full city financial statements, while noting the electric and water utilities and the DMCC component unit were audited separately by other firms and that Cohen Resnick relied on those unmodified opinions in issuing the consolidated opinion.

Boynton also highlighted the city’s continuing engagement with best practices: the city participates in the Government Finance Officers Association certificate program and has received the certificate for many consecutive years. He reminded council that the federal single‑audit procedures required for grant dollars will be completed over the summer and a separate report issued before the September 2026 due date.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about police overtime and how 2026 budgets compare with 2025 actuals; Boynton and staff said a portion of the 2026 increase is a one‑time item and that some employee‑cost adjustments reflect market and wage changes.

The auditor closed by thanking staff and the audit committee; council then moved on to the next agenda item.