Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs today announced that the county recently received a clean financial audit from its independent auditor, which did not identify any deficiencies, material weaknesses or any instances of noncompliance. The report comes as the Freeholder Board continues to uphold a proud tradition of doing more with less and making Burlington County government the most fiscally responsible in the state of New Jersey.
“From cutting property taxes year after year, to the county’s credit rating being upgraded to its highest level ever, to now receiving a clean financial audit report, the Freeholder Board is doing things to continually earn the trust of Burlington County residents and be good stewards of public resources,” said Freeholder Director Gibbs. “Through our common-sense approach to managing county government like a household budget and investing in the programs that matter most, we are working to keep Burlington County affordable and enhance the quality of life of our communities.”
During its public meeting this evening, the Freeholder Board voted unanimously to accept the 2017 Single Audit, which by-law, was performed on programs involving both State and Federal funds. The independent audit found that the county utilized approximately $28.5 million in grant funding consistent with its intended purpose.
Among county programs funded through grants, most notable is the array of free senior services available to residents. Seniors have the opportunity to take advantage of congregate nutrition sites, senior legal assistance, farmer’s market vouchers, home security program, and one of the county’s most popular programs, Meals on Wheels. Last year, more than 109,000 meals were delivered to home-bound seniors through this important program.
In addition, the Freeholder Board uses grant funding to offer substance abuse programming to the county’s most vulnerable residents, preserve open space and develop new parks and trails to protect the bucolic character of our communities, expand the supply of safe and affordable housing for individuals and families, and much more.
“I am confident the measurable progress and achievements we have accomplished is unlike anywhere else in the state,” added Freeholder Director Gibbs. “Our success in securing and administering state and federal grants is an important tool when it comes to making Burlington County a special place to live, work, and retire.”
Since 2008, the Freeholder Board has cut the total county property tax levy by close to $10 million, saving Burlington County residents a cumulative amount of more than $105 million. All other counties in the state have had an average cumulative increase of $188 million during the same period.
The Freeholder Board has also remained committed to finding innovative, cost-effective ways to reduce government spending. Burlington County has the lowest annual cost per resident in the state at nearly half the amount of the statewide average, while delivering top-rate county services.