Wednesday, July 14, 2004

Audit Finds County in Sound Financial Shape

The 2003 independent annual audit of Atlantic County government verified that the county continues to be in sound financial condition, County Executive Dennis Levinson announced today. "I am pleased to be able to inform our taxpayers that for the fifth year in a row an independent outside audit of Atlantic County's finances contained no findings or comments. This is a testament to the hard work, dedication and experience of our financial staff, " Levinson said. "I am extremely appreciative of their efforts."

The county's 2003 audit was conducted by the certified public accounting firm of Hutchins, Farrell, Meyer & Allison, P.A. A synopsis and summary of the audit was published in The Press of Atlantic City on July 10. The Board of Chosen Freeholders is expected to review and certify the audit at their regular meeting on July 13 in accordance with the requirements of the Local Finance Board.

In a transmittal letter to County Executive Dennis Levinson, Eugene Farrell, a principal in the firm, noted: "In my thirty years of experience in governmental accounting, I consider the County to be one of the best managed government entities, if not the best, in the State of New Jersey. It should be noted that, when a client or municipal official seeks insight into addressing a particular problem, the County is referred to first as a resource."

Atlantic County's financial policy requires that the outside auditing firm be changed every three years in order to ensure that the county's financial accounts and records regularly receive a fresh review by new, experienced auditors. Hutchins, Farrell was appointed as the county's outside auditors in November 2003.

Levinson stated that he was grateful to all county employees for their hard work and cooperation in ensuring the county's fiscal integrity. "We can all feel very proud. I encourage everyone to keep up the good work and continue to make Atlantic County Government the finest run county government in the country."

For more information, contact Howard J. Kyle, Chief of Staff, at (609) 345-2223.

County News