Kent County officials, who authorized a major upgrade to the county’s financial reporting systems a year ago, were pleased to receive the independent audit report on March 28 for fiscal year 2020, which straddled the old and new systems. “This is the last of the catch-up years,” explained the representative of the Scott Northam CPA firm, which was unable due to the midyear shift to make an opinion for 2020 due to a previous lack of data and a true accounting system. but is “striving for an unqualified opinion” going forward.
Work on a separate audit of the Kent County Nursing Home books is ongoing, with the expectation that “coordination of reports in a single software will make process smoother going forward.” The county moved last year from an outdated NetData program to FundView, a program used by many smaller counties. Treasurer Christy Long also added that, along with the change of financial software, the county has consolidated numerous redundant bank accounts, simplifying recordkeeping. The full county audit for FY2021 is already in the works.
The county’s net position was stated in the audit report as $9,966,566 in governmental activities and $680,794 in business-type activites for a total balance of $10,647,360 in assets and liabilities for the period. The balance reflects that in 2020 the county took in more than it spent, thus increasing its financial position by $573,600 after all operations for the year.
Other than the county’s pension fund liability, the CPA representative explained, transfers to and from nursing home were the biggest factor during the period.
Regarding the pension fund, which is almost 95% funded, commissioner Robert Graham noted that that fund will see a considerable reduction after the approaching retirements of county judge Jim C. White and commissioner Don Long.
“It’s rewarding to know that a portion of the work is finished,” the CPA representative noted. The court approved the audit report as presented.
In other business, the court approved minutes of its March 14 as read by Judge White. Among the items noted from March 14 were approval of an amended agreement with the Texas Solar Nova I and II project and approval of a road use agreement with Clearway Energy Group. The agreement notes that Clearway is not required to pay for any damage to county roads that it did not cause.
In its March 28 meeting Judge White noted an upcoming invitation from Clearway for commissioners to participate in a visit to the construction site in the western portion of the county, where Wind Energy Transmission of Texas (WETT) has been hauling in caliche to build a pad for equipment.
Other items approved for action included a request for school funds transfer of $241,059.09 to Jayton-Girard ISD for new house expenses and a few child care center items.
Regarding upcoming local elections, in light of cancellation of a City of Jayton election due to no contested races the court voted to consolidate polling precincts and will work out location details.
After hearing a brief report on the Kent County Nursing Home, commissioners debated the pros and cons of continuing participation in the QIPP quality improvement incentive program, given downsides of required compliance and documentation, compared to limited financial return benefit. No action was taken.
The court approved the application of a new tenant for the recently vacated hangar space at the county airpoty.
Human Resources manager Gina Coulter noted upcoming mandatory cybersecurity training for 2022, for county staff.
Applications for road and bridge work were approved.
Judge White noted that April is National 9-1-1 Public Education Month, and the court passed a resolution recognizing such and thanking the Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Management Service.
Sheriff William Scogin reported no one currently held in the county jail.
Present for the meeting in addition to staff and Judge White were commissioners Roy Chisum, Robert Graham, Daryl Ham and Don Long; clerk Craig Harrison was absent.
Also present were JGISD superintendent Layne Sheets and student “Superintendent for the Day” Colton Stanaland.
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