County receives clean audit report

By Becky Brewster

Culberson County Commissioners met in Special Session on February 22, 2016 to learn the results of the County’s audit. According to Rick Knapp, outside auditor for the County, “it’s been a good year for the County.” Knapp presented the audit report for the fiscal year ending Sept 30, 2015, noting that it was a “boring audit” with an “unqualified opinion, which is what you want to have.” He reported that there were no significant difficulties, the cash position was better than last year, and the debt was low. As the County completed the year, its governmental funds reported a combined fund balance of $4,933,580 as compared to $4,071,912 in prior year.  This puts the County in a stable financial position.

Knapp also reviewed the management letter to the County acknowledging concern with the low docket numbers in two of the JP Courts, and suggested that the Commissioners consider determining what might be needed to make these offices more productive.  Knapp expressed appreciation to County Auditor Mark Cabezuela and County Treasurer Susie Hinojos for their efforts in completing the audit.

Commissioners then reviewed a proposal for grant management services for the County’s recently awarded HOME grant which will reconstruct four homes.  The Court awarded the contract to Grantworks out of Austin, TX and authorized the Judge to sign the agreement.

Commissioner Gilda Morales reported that a new employee had been hired at the Cemetery, and that she will be implementing the summer watering schedule a little early this year.  As usual, watering will be prohibited during the hours between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to comply with the Town’s water management regulations. A watering schedule will be forthcoming in the Van Horn Advocate.

In other County business, the Court also

• Conducted an Executive Session with no action following in open session.

• Approved the lease of a telephone system for the Courthouse through a 60 month lease from Windstream at a cost of $459.80 per month.

• Received a status update on the maintenance on the playground at the Day Care Center.

• Heard reports on County Projects.

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