CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Ross County and the Ross County Auditor’s office received the Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction for fiscal year 2024 financial reporting, according to an announcement from Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber’s office.
The award recognizes excellence in financial reporting and is presented to approximately three percent of Ohio government entities statewide annually, according to the announcement. It is the highest award the Auditor of State’s office gives for financial reporting.
“We’re honored today by Auditor Faber’s presentation,” County Auditor Angie Lehner said, according to the announcement. “Ross County’s financial management and accounting is a team effort — I’m grateful for our tremendous staff’s commitment and professionalism to produce this outcome, and that of fellow elected County officials to serve the people of Ross County transparently and effectively.”
The award is presented to local governments and school districts upon completion of financial audits, according to the Auditor of State’s office.
Entities receiving the award must meet the following criteria, according to the office:
The entity must file financial reports by the statutory due date without extension.
The audit report cannot contain findings for recovery, material citations or weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Uniform Guidance findings, or questioned costs, with the opinion dated within six months of the entity’s year-end.
The entity’s management letter cannot contain comments related to ethics referrals, questioned costs below the Uniform Guidance threshold, late annual financial report submission, bank reconciliation issues, failure to obtain timely Single Audit per Uniform Guidance, findings for recovery under $500, or public meetings or public records issues.
The entity cannot have other financial or other concerns.
The award pertains to Ross County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year 2024.