FY 2024 county audit reveals $46.5M in general fund balance

County Commissioners credit strong financial position to good management, oversight

KENANSVILLE — One of the highlights of the County Commissioners’ February meeting was the result of the FY 2024 county audit presented by TD Hill, RH CPA officials.

The audit produced a clean opinion, indicating that all financial records were in order. In addition to the financial audit, federal and state single audits were required for 2024. These audits focused on specific programs with a significant amount of funding — $750,000 or more for federal programs and $500,000 or more for state programs. The audit covered eight programs: five federal and three state.

There was a minor repeat finding in Medicaid related to recertification, along with two minor prior period adjustments that had no impact on the total balance.

According to auditors, the general fund balance for 2024 is $46.5 million, with expenditures lower than revenues, leaving a healthy balance in the fund. The general fund balance is nearly 80% available, providing flexibility for future decisions.

Auditors reported that property tax revenue has remained stable between 2022-2024.

Major expenditures are allocated to public safety, followed by human services, education, and general government. The proprietary fund has had a steady trend over the past three years, with a breakdown of operating revenues and expenditures, excluding any grants.

After providing an overview of the county’s financial standing, the audit team commended the county for its good stewardship of public funds and cooperation from the finance team.

“The county’s financial health is extremely strong. You guys have done a great job and are a great steward of the county’s assets,” said a spokesperson with TD Hill, RH CPA.

The commissioners thanked Finance Department head Chelsey Lanier and County Manager Bryan Miller for their leadership and dedication.

“When the CPA that’s doing your audit stands in front of you and tells you you’re in a very strong financial position, it makes me very proud and I know it does the other four of us up here because there was a period of time this county didn’t know which way we were going and we’re going in the right direction,” said Commissioner Elwood Garner. “I appreciate all the hard work.”

Chairman Dexter Edwards also thanked his fellow commissioners, adding that it was a team effort.

“I am very proud to be sitting here and holding the position as chairman of this board for this county because there’s such a teamwork that we have going on between the employees, the management and the commissioners that it’s just a pleasure to come up here each and every month to have these meetings. So, thank you guys as well,” said Edwards.

In other business:

• The board approved a motion to advertise the list of unpaid 2024 taxes, which amounts to $3,083,503.27.

• The board approved a request to accept a bid and service contract proposed by Kennedy Electrical Service, subject to review by the county attorney. This contract involves the supply and installation of two emergency power backup generators at Kenansville Elementary School, in accordance with the local emergency shelter capacity grant that was awarded and approved on Sept. 16, 2024.

• The Transportation Department will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m.

• Starting in March, the Board of County Commissioners will hold its first meeting as the Consolidated Human Services Board after the regular meeting.

• The board retreat at the airport was moved from Feb. 28 to March 21.

Also, according to Miller, the Department of Transportation will be making modifications at the intersection of South Williams Road on Highway 24 from Kenansville to Beulaville. NCDOT expects the modifications to occur within the next six months.

Chairman Dexter Edwards shared that the intersection is designed as a turnaround, preventing direct crossing, which will affect employees coming from Hallsville who will now have to drive out to Highway 24 and head toward Beulaville rather than making a direct turn to get to work.

“I’ve contacted the legislators. They said we can’t stop it. There’s nothing we can do about it,” said Edwards. “I’m gonna go on record that I’m against it. I called Raleigh. They said we couldn’t do anything with it. I called Representative Dixon. He said it’s beyond anything that we can do that the government has said that it’s needed to protect lives because it’s a dangerous intersection.”

The board adjourned until March 3.