Finance director: 2025 annual report shows no audit findings, but revenues lag inflation

Clark County’s finance director presented the 2025 annual financial report on July 29, telling the council the statement was prepared under state law, reviewed internally and that the state auditor’s examination found no reportable findings.

"The most recent audit concluded by SAO ... has no reportable findings," Mark Gassaway told the council, adding the county has a multi‑decade legacy of receiving a certificate of achievement in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. He described internal controls and the auditor’s role in ensuring county revenues and expenditures are properly recorded.

Councilors focused questioning on the county’s fiscal trajectory. Staff presented year‑to‑date figures showing revenue growth of 2.45% while inflation (CPI) over the same period was 3.5%. Councilor Young said that gap illustrates a structural challenge: "Inflation was 3.5 percent. The growth in our funding was 2.45%. So the funding we have year over year is less in buying power."

The presentation flagged public safety as the largest expense across funds (about $127 million) with general fund support for courts, the prosecuting attorney and public defense folded into broader categories. Gassaway and colleagues said public‑safety personnel services and overtime are major drivers of expense growth; the sheriff’s office and jail are principal contributors to overtime increases. Staff indicated further analysis would break down overtime by month and cause to inform hiring priorities and potential reductions in premium pay.