During the Live Oak City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, the spotlight was on the city’s financial health, as the auditing firm Armstrong Vaughn and Associates presented their findings. The lead auditor, Phil Vaughn, was unable to attend, but Deborah Frasier stepped in to deliver the good news: the city received a clean audit for the fourth consecutive year.

Frasier highlighted that the audit resulted in an unmodified opinion, meaning there were no material misstatements in the financial reports. This clean bill of health assures council members that the financial information they rely on for decision-making is accurate and trustworthy. “Nothing in the audit would change the use of that information,” Frasier stated, emphasizing the importance of the findings for the council's governance.

The audit included three key letters summarizing the process and findings, with no significant issues or recommendations noted. This positive outcome reflects the city’s strong internal controls and financial management practices.

As the meeting progressed, council members were encouraged to reach out for further details, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and open communication. The successful audit not only boosts confidence in the city’s financial operations but also sets a solid foundation for future planning and budgeting.