County makes deadline for financial statement

Whitman County crossed the finish line for its audit deadline Feb. 16.

Commissioner Greg Partch said he had a note posted on his door Tuesday morning informing him the county’s 2008 financial statement had been turned over to state auditors at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday was the deadline to submit the financials.

If complete, submission of the statement would mark the first time since 2003 that the county’s full books have been independently audited.

“It’s an important day,” said Partch. “Now we’ll just see what the state has to say about it. It’s very important this is correct.”

Partch said Bev Divine, county finance director, assured him the statement included complete support information so state auditors can perform a thorough review of the statement.

Partch two weeks ago said serious changes would be needed in the finance department if the deadline was not met.

Divine said the state audit crew began its review Tuesday morning.

Lack of an audit of the county’s financial statements does not result in a penalty, but could damage the county’s bond rating.

State auditors had returned the statement last month, after their initial review found it did not include complete information about county-owned assets. Some assets were booked twice.

The mistakes were attributed to the Spokane accounting firm of Dingus, Zarecor and Associates. The firm was paid $17,898.50 to double-check the statement.

The firm’s accountant hired to review the county’s books was fired midway through the year, which left the county’s ledger in limbo.

County officials have since cancelled the Dingus contract in favor of another firm. Terms of that contract have not yet been finalized.