The Crawford County government meeting held on August 15, 2025, focused primarily on the presentation of the 2024 crop accounting and the results of the county's financial audit. The meeting highlighted the county's financial health and management practices, with an emphasis on transparency and accountability.
During the meeting, representatives from the auditing firm presented a clean audit report, indicating that Crawford County's financial statements are fairly stated in all material respects. The audit was conducted in a timely manner, and no significant errors were found in the county's financial records. The auditors noted that the county operates under the Kansas Municipal Audit Guide (KMAG), which requires specific financial reporting standards.
Key financial figures were shared, revealing that Crawford County began the year with approximately $13.1 million in cash, collected over $37 million in revenue, and spent about $41 million, leaving an unencumbered cash balance of approximately $8.4 million at year-end. After accounting for outstanding encumbrances, the reconciled cash balance stood at about $11.6 million.
The auditors also discussed the county's debt situation, reporting an outstanding debt of approximately $3.3 million at the beginning of the year, with new debt incurred for equipment purchases totaling around $1 million. The county made principal payments of nearly $800,000, resulting in an end-of-year debt balance of approximately $400,000.
In addition to the financial audit, the meeting addressed the importance of maintaining accurate records and budgeting practices, particularly concerning delinquent taxes. The county's financial team was commended for their meticulous record-keeping and effective management of funds.
Overall, the meeting underscored Crawford County's commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency, with officials expressing confidence in the county's financial management as they prepare for the upcoming budget year. The next steps will involve continued monitoring of financial practices and preparing for future audits as the county navigates its financial landscape.