Midland finance director reports zero audit findings for second consecutive year

Midland's City Council meeting on April 8, 2025, highlighted significant financial achievements, with the Director of Finance, Christy Weekland, announcing a clean audit report for the second consecutive year. This milestone reflects the city’s commitment to sound fiscal management and transparency, crucial for maintaining financial stability.

Weekland reported that the city has successfully implemented robust fiscal practices, resulting in zero audit findings for the financial year ending September 30, 2024. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first time in over 25 years that Midland has reached this level of financial oversight. The absence of audit findings indicates strong internal controls and compliance with accounting standards, which ultimately benefits the city’s financial rating and operational efficiency.

The council also discussed the establishment of new funds, including a park maintenance fund aimed at sustaining the city’s parks and a stabilization fund that will support future capital needs. Additionally, the city is working to ensure that various funds can operate independently without relying on the general fund, addressing past practices where subsidies were necessary.

In terms of revenue generation, Weekland mentioned ongoing audits of hotel franchise fees, which are expected to yield approximately $500,000 for the city. The council is also pursuing state and federal grants to further enhance financial resources.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency, as the annual comprehensive financial report will be made available to the public on the city’s website, allowing residents to access detailed financial information.

Overall, the council's discussions underscored a proactive approach to financial governance, ensuring that Midland remains on a path of fiscal responsibility and community accountability.