Buchanan County audit: unmodified opinion but auditors flag internal‑control gaps

Auditors told the Board of Supervisors they issued an unmodified opinion on the county’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, meaning the statements are fairly presented. "For the fiscal year ended June 30th of 2025 we have issued an unmodified opinion," Elizabeth said during the presentation.

The presentation reviewed management’s discussion and analysis, budget highlights and the implementation of new accounting standards for compensated absences. Elizabeth said the county’s change in net position was a positive $2.7 million, including roughly $1.3–$1.4 million in infrastructure contributions recognized as capital from farm‑to‑market road projects. Auditors also reported the county spent about $1.66 million in federal awards; the public‑health emergency‑preparedness program (around $730,000) was selected as the major program for single‑audit testing.

Auditors identified common small‑government issues: segregation‑of‑duties limitations, certain financial‑reporting adjustments that were proposed and recorded during audit work, and a small but persistent bank‑reconciliation variance that traces to a software conversion. The report noted federal‑award custody and recordkeeping are concentrated in a small public‑health team, which increases audit testing and monitoring requirements.

Board members discussed next steps including required filings to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse and remedial actions such as documenting controls, addressing budget amendments where spending exceeded appropriations and completing the treasurer’s statutorily required semiannual report. No formal vote beyond acceptance of the audit presentation was required.