Gunter audit finds $8.4 million net position; council to take up acceptance April 2

Auditors told the Gunter City Council on March 24 that the city received an unmodified (clean) opinion on its fiscal year 2025 financial statements, with total assets exceeding total liabilities by $8,400,000. Amy Mendez, the audit manager with Brooks Watson, presented the report and summarized key results: "The city did receive an unmodified opinion, so that is the highest level of assurance," she said.

Mendez outlined the audit approach (planning, fieldwork, conclusion/reporting), and detailed fund-level results. She said total governmental revenues were about $5,100,000, with property tax revenues of $2,300,000 (up $500,000) and sales tax roughly $1,400,000 (up about $269,000). She reported a $227,000 net increase in the general fund and a positive $681,000 variance on revenues compared with the final budget, while total expenditures were over budget by $96,000, which she attributed primarily to fire department costs.

Council members and meeting participants reacted positively to the clean opinion and the improved fund balances. The presiding official (referred to in the meeting as the mayor) said the audit had been completed and filed with the municipal clerk as required by law and noted that formal acceptance will appear on the council's April 2 agenda: "The law requires us to have this audit completed and filed with the municipal clerk," the mayor said. A participant urged the city to publicize the results so taxpayers understand how funds are being used.

No formal vote occurred at the March 24 special meeting; the council will consider a formal motion to accept the audit at its next regular meeting on April 2. The meeting adjourned at 5:19 p.m.