Tuesday, October 5, 2004

Another Clean Audit Confirms Atlantic County's Fiscal Integrity

For the second consecutive year, the Atlantic County Department of Family and Community Development has been found to be in sound financial condition upon receiving a clean audit from the state Department of Human Services, announced County Executive Dennis Levinson.

The audit included a review of the department's $19 million budget that funds the county's Work First New Jersey welfare reform program whose goal is to help residents secure employment and realize self-sufficiency through job training, education and work activities.

Levinson credited Department Head Forrest Gilmore and members of the department's fiscal office, including Fiscal Officer Beth Holtzman, Assistant Fiscal Officer Cindy Smith and department accountants, for their hard work and dedication.

"This area of county government (previously known as Welfare) has historically presented many fiscal problems over the years," he said. "I greatly appreciate the efforts of our staff who have made sure that this unit now meets the highest financial standards."

According to Levinson, the results of this audit are further confirmation of Atlantic County's fiscal integrity and its standing as one of the finest managed government entities in the state.

In July, an independent annual audit of the county's general financial accounts and records contained no findings or comments, marking the fifth consecutive year with such results.

"Our residents can continue to take pride in their county government," concluded Levinson.

For more information, please contact Howard J. Kyle, Chief of Staff, at (609) 343-2223.

County News