Delaware, Ohio, joins the ranks of the select few, having been recognized with the Auditor of State Award with Distinction. This prestigious nod singles out less than 4% of all audited entities in the state for their exemplary financial practices. An official announcement published on the city's website unveiled that in a sea of around 4,200 entities vetted annually, Delaware's financial housekeeping set it apart from the rest for its adherence to strict bookkeeping standards.
To earn such accolades is to consistently and without fail file financial reports as per Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and craft a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Furthermore, Delaware notably put together an audit report entirely free of findings for recovery, material citations, weaknesses, deficiencies, or questioned costs. These are not just indications of robust fiscal oversight—they are the telltale signs of a city committed to its financial rectitude.
But the kudos don't end there. The Auditor's Office only awards this honor to those with records untarnished by ethics violations, bank reconciliation issues, open meeting missteps, or failure to meet auditing standards outright. Delaware City Manager Paul Brake told the City of Delaware community, "This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire City of Delaware staff."
Amidst this fanfare, a singular name rises to the forefront—Rob Alger, Finance Director, without whose commitment to the cause, perhaps this accolade might have swiftly passed by Delaware's door. The Auditor's Office noted, according to the City of Delaware, "His professionalism has played a key role in achieving this honor, ensuring that the City has the people and processes in place to uphold strong financial accountability." It's a recognition not merely of the systems in place but of the individuals who toil tirelessly to maintain them.
