County tackles audit on Monday

To view Douglas County’s 2020 annual comprehensive financial report click 

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The 300-page annual comprehensive financial report for Douglas County goes before a joint meeting of commissioners and members of the audit committee 1 p.m. Monday.

The report for 2020-21 audits the county’s finances, including an accounting of money received from the federal government through COVID relief.

Auditors present the results of the county’s internal audit from Sept. 16 to Nov. 15.

The boards will also be asked to modify the audit program to review the county’s payroll processes for the purchasing card internal controls.

“At this time, staff feels this program is a greater priority than the purchasing card review,” Chief Financial Officer Terri Willoughby said. She is proposing moving the purchasing card review to the 2022-23 internal audit.

The boards will meet at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1616 Eighth St., Minden. The meeting also will be streamed online.

On Tuesday, the county announced receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.

The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

“Financial accountability and transparency are one of our primary goals in Douglas County,” said County Manager Patrick Cates. “The county has matured significantly in this regard thanks to the dedicated work of Terri and her team.”

The certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

“This award is made possible by the diligence and commitment of the entire Finance department Willoughby said. “We are very proud and honored to receive this recognition for exceptional governmental accounting and financial reporting. It demonstrates our commitment to consistent, accurate and thorough reporting. This would not be possible without the hard work of all of our team members and the collaboration of all County departments.”