By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Tim Kraft, representing State Auditor Dave Yost, presented the Auditor of State Award With Distinction to the city of Groveport for its excellent financial practices.
“It’s difficult to obtain this award,” Kraft said at the Dec. 10 Groveport City Council committee of the whole meeting. “It takes the efforts of a whole city to earn it.”
Kraft said the auditor’s office audits around 6,000 entities statewide and only 5 percent of those audited receive the award.
It’s the fifth straight year the city of Groveport has received the award.
In a letter to the city, Yost wrote, “Clean and accurate record-keeping are the foundation for good government and the taxpayers can take pride in your commitment to accountability.”
According to Yost’s letter, the award is given to those entities that file an a comprehensive annual financial report and timely financial reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as well as receive a clean audit report. A clean audit report means the financial audit did not contain findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or any questioned costs.
Groveport Finance Director and Assistant Administrator Jeff Green said Senior Accountant Anna Krigbaum and Accounting Clerk Amy Hartung of the city’s finance department contribute significantly to the city’s excellent financial record. He added that the city’s department heads are also diligent and careful with city finances.
“Our staff really works hard,” said Green. “All the credit for this award goes to our staff.”
Other news
•Green said the city’s income tax revenues up 5.68 percent for 2018.
•Town Hall Cares, part of Groveport Town Hall’s Tuesdays@One program, is made up of participants who wanted to give back to the community. Participants made 28 lap blankets, 90 walker/wheelchair pouches, 36 adult eating covers, 46 tissue holders, 50 hand towels, and 124 heart pillows that were delivered to Bixby Living Skills Center, Greenfield Place, Hendron Road Senior Living, and possibly Altercare in Canal Winchester. All supplies and time were donated for the project.
•The Groveport Blacklick Haunted Park, held Oct. 26-27 in the city’s Blacklick Park, raised $2,600 for the Groveport Food Pantry and Greater Groveport Human Needs. Each entity received a check for $1,300. Christine Boucher of Greater Groveport Human Needs said the check came at a good time.
“It’s a tough time. We are at a critical low level of funds,” said Boucher. “We appreciate the hard work and generosity of those who organized and operated the haunted park.”
