Allen County Commissioner Cory Noonan, Allen County Commissioner Brian Winegardner, Allen County Auditor Rachael Gilroy, Allen County Commissioner Beth Seibert and State Auditor Keith Faber stand together on Monday morning as the auditor’s office received the state clean audit award.
LIMA — Allen County has earned a new medal of honor. On Monday morning, the State Auditors’ office recognized the Allen County Auditors’ office for their hard work, dedication and perfect audit.
Allen County Auditor Rachael Gilroy was presented the State Clean Audit Award for Allen County and the Clean Audit Award for the Allen County Land Bank Program.
According to Gilroy, the State Auditor looks at the policies, procedures and resolutions the Allen County Commissioners pass.
“They examine what our policies say and then they look and see if are we doing what our policies say we should be doing,” said Gilroy. “They look at every grant dollar that comes in and the grant agreement that goes with it.”
The clean audit is important because it helps to determine how the county can continue to move forward.
“Receiving a clean audit award affects a lot of what our county government can do,” said Gilroy. “It affects our bond rating, It affects how we can borrow money and what kind of money we can borrow and it affects the grants our different departments are applying for. Without clean audits awards and assuring every entity that we know what to do and we are good at what we do, we wouldn’t be getting the opportunities that do happen to come our way.”
The presentation was held in the Allen County Commissioners’ office with all members of the Auditors Office by her side.
“We are honoring our local auditor, Rachael Gilroy,” said Allen County Commissioner Brian Winegardner. “The hard work that she and her staff do on a daily basis to make sure Allen County follows the rules.”
State Auditor Keith Faber gave the award and shared what the State Auditors’ office does in Ohio.
“Many of you know we catch people lying, stealing and cheating with money,” said Faber. “Those headlines write themselves. What we have to work a little harder on is telling the good story of people in government who are doing their jobs. Making good books and records is something to be proud of.”
Faber said Allen County’s Auditors Office is one of the small percentages of entities that receives this award annually. Of the 4,800 audits the state office completes, less than 10% receive this award.
“This exemplifies the great teamwork the county-elected officials have and department heads,” said Gilroy. “Without their help or the staff we all have, the award isn’t possible. It just assures the residents of Allen County we are doing what we are supposed to and we are good stewards with our money.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
