Via: Andalusia Star News

The City of Andalusia received high marks in its 2011-2012 audit, CPA Ken Odom of Rabren, Odom, Pierce and Hayes reported Tuesday night.

“The highest report that can be given is an unqualified report,” Odom said. “I’m not allowed by professional standards to give you an atta boy, but if I could, I would have put one in there.”

Odom said the audit, approved yesterday, gives “a very good overview of where city is at 2012.”

Odom reminded council members that an audit is merely a “snapshot in time,” and that some items that look like expenditures are really “just transferring money from the left pocket to the right pocket.”

For instance, several entries reflect grants received by the city for the Utilities Board. The transfer of funds shows up as an expenditure.

“You had over $12.5 million in revenue, and over $15 million in expenditures. That’s not necessarily bad, it’s just a snapshot in time.”

Based on his review, he said, the city’s sales taxes continue to increase.

“That’s the largest source of revenue,” he said. “Let me assure you from looking at the city’s financial report and knowing what you would like to do, you are to be commended for taking hard stance... READ MORE>