City welcomes clean financial audit

The city of Las Cruces received high marks on its yearly financial audit, receiving the best possible designation, according to a presentation to the city council on Jan. 21. 

City auditor Chris Garner said the auditing firm of Patillo, Brown and Hill gave Las Cruces a clean opinion. That means the auditors found Las Cruces’ financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with best practices. 

“This is exactly the kind of opinion the city wants to receive,” Garner said.

Garner also said auditors found no issues in two other reports meant to test Las Cruces’ financial book and record keeping. 

Garner said that in New Mexico, audits have more transactions to test compared to Texas, for example. As a result, there are typically more findings. But not for Las Cruces, he said. Those extended reports include reviews of grants and federal monies. It was the first time in 15 years that auditors reported no findings. 

“You’re going to have findings year to year, and that’s fine,” Garner said. “What you want to see as a council is how are we responding to those findings. Are we learning and getting better? That’s the whole purpose of an audit.”  

The auditors also said that they had no difficulty with city staff during the audit. If they do, they’re required to report it.  

“What that tells the council is, when we ask questions as auditors, we’re given the support, we’re given things in a timely manner, and it’s completed accurately and it has the proper authorizations,” Garner said. 

Garner also pointed out that Las Cruces again received recognition by the Government Finance Officers Association for “going above and beyond,” as Garner put it. 

The council raised no questions or concerns before unanimous approval. Councilor Bill Mattiace and Mayor Eric Enriquez congratulated the staff on completing the process and receiving recognition.