ARLINGTON—On Monday, October 21 the City of Arlington received the State Auditor’s Stewardship Award from Pat McCarthy, Washington State Auditor, at the City Council Meeting. The award recognizes “outstanding accomplishment in accountability, transparency, and good stewardship of public resources, with the shared mission of government that works better and earns greater public trust.”
Arlington is one of four agencies to receive the award in 2024. The State Auditor’s Office is responsible for auditing approximately 2300 agencies across the state. The audits look at financial information and compliance with state, federal, and local laws on the part of all local governments, including schools, and all state agencies, including institutions of higher education.
The City’s staff and leadership work diligently to hold themselves accountable to those they serve. Washington State Auditor Pat McCarthy said, “We would like to recognize Finance Director Kristin Garcia and Assistant Finance Director Sheri Amundson for their collaborative approach to the audit process and their dedication to accurate financial reporting. Their eagerness to be key members of the audit process has created an environment of proactive communications, responsiveness to our inquiries, and thorough documentation of financial activities.”
The City’s Finance Department’s commitment to maintaining strong, well-documented internal control processes demonstrates accountability for public resources. For example, finance staff emphasized transparency by providing their documented reviews of all financial statements, including steps they took to ensure accuracy and consistency between statements. The city was well-prepared to assist the audit team; the documentation provided was outstanding and logically organized.
The City of Arlington’s strong leadership is also reflected in the importance emphasized by elected officials and city employees when carrying out their responsibilities to ensure accountability and transparency.
The State Auditor Office’s goal is for government to work better, cost less, and earn greater public trust. The City of Arlington shares commitment to these values. The city understands the audits’ value and has fostered a positive and professional working relationship with the State Auditor’s Office.
Source: City of Arlington
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
