Biennial report shows improvement across the state
SALEM – The Secretary of State Audits Division released its third biennial financial condition review of Oregon’s counties today, highlighting four counties that may need further monitoring based upon ten financial, economic, and demographic indicators. The four counties identified by the auditors are Curry, Douglas, Josephine, and Polk. This is down from nine counties identified in the 2014 report.
“Overall, the financial condition of Oregon’s counties in the past two years has improved,” said Secretary of State Jeanne P. Atkins. “Our review found that a recovering economy and some strategic cost-cutting measures by our local governments has decreased the number of counties on our watch list from nine to four. This is encouraging news.”
Auditors used information from each county’s annual financial reports and other data from state and federal resources to identify financial concerns, and conducted in-depth analysis of those counties that may be at a higher risk of distress. The report found that the decline in federal forest revenue continues to be a major barrier to the recovery of some counties. The report includes responses from public officials at the four named counties on steps they have taken to address their financial situation.
“Policy makers should use this report to identify and help the counties hardest hit by reduced federal forest dollars and low permanent property tax rates,” said Atkins. “This report is an excellent example of the work of our financial auditors to support local governments and improve the public’s understanding of how public dollars are used.”
The indicators used to assess the financial condition of Oregon’s counties include:
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Unlike performance audits released by the Audits Division, today’s report is an informational report and does not make recommendations for improvements to county officials or state policy makers. However, the report does include evaluation of the strategies and actions already undertaken by Oregon counties to address financial distress.
“Oregon Counties: 2016 Financial Condition Review” can be found at www.sos.state.or.us/audits.
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