PARKERSBURG - The city's financial practices were given a good review Wednesday by state auditors.
Members of the finance and development departments and Councilman John Rockhold conducted an exit interview with three representatives from the West Virginia auditor.
"It was a clean audit," said Mayor Bob Newell. "If they find a qualification then you are in trouble."
An unqualified opinion states the auditor feels the city followed all accounting rules appropriately and its financial reports are an accurate representation of the city's financial condition.
Rockhold was pleased with what he heard.
"Very pleased," he said. "I am going to report that to council."
The city's financial practices are reviewed on an annual basis, either by a private firm or by state officials. Rockhold said it's "very rare" for municipalities to receive unqualified reports.
However, auditors highlighted some issues. Newell said the city will have to change the way it reports capital reserve, including it in the general fund balance. The city will institute a mechanism for the city judge to sign off on dismissed tickets.
Previously, the city has been cited for segregation of duty issues. That was not a concern this year. Newell said that's because the General Accounting Standards Bureau is loosening its restrictions.
Rockhold said officials received a rough draft of the report Wednesday. An official copy will be sent to the mayor for the city to retain later.
