MAYOR'S MESSAGE City and Urban Renewal Agency Receive Clean Audits, Reinforcing Financial Accountability I’m pleased to share some good news about the City’s financial accountability. We recently completed our annual audit, as well as a separate audit of the Urban Renewal Agency, and both received clean opinions with no significant findings. At a recent City Council meeting, our independent auditor, Tara Kamp from Clear Trails CPAs, walked us through the results. She confirmed that the City’s financial statements were found to be accurate and in compliance, with no material issues or concerns identified. Because the City exceeded the federal spending threshold this year, the audit included a single audit, which means a higher level of review and scrutiny of how federal funds are managed. I’m proud to say the City met that higher bar. City Manager Nichole Rutherford shared that this was no small task, especially for a relatively young finance team. I want to echo her appreciation for Finance Director Brianna Weigel, who stepped into her role during a critical time and helped lead the team through months of detailed preparation ahead of the audit. In addition to the City audit, Tara also explained that the Urban Renewal Agency undergoes a complete and separate audit. While closely connected to the City, it is reviewed independently, and I’m happy to report that the Urban Renewal Agency also received a clean audit with no findings. Our City Councilors took time to recognize the behind-the-scenes work that goes into an audit of this scale, particularly when federal funding is involved. I join them in thanking our staff for their professionalism, diligence, and commitment to doing things the right way. Following the presentation, the City Council unanimously accepted both audits. These results give confidence that public funds are being managed responsibly and transparently, and they reinforce the trust our community places in its local government. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay