SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico Counties and State Auditor Brian Colón selected Bernalillo, Lea, McKinley, Roosevelt, Taos, and Guadalupe Counties for the annual Audit and Accountability Awards that were presented at the NMC Legislative Conference Thursday, January 23, 2020. The awards are given in recognition to large, mid-size, and small counties along with continued audit excellence and most improved county certificates for those that have done outstanding work on their audits, submitted their audits in a timely manner, and have sustained excellence with the highest audit opinions. An unmodified opinion is the best opinion that can be given, and means that the financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The following counties received the FY2018 Audit & Accountability Awards:
Large County Award
Bernalillo County – First time recipient; received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for an incredible 18 consecutive years for excellence in financial programming.
“It is truly an honor to receive recognition for Bernalillo County’s fiscal year 2018 annual financial report. We have been diligent in our efforts with focus on timeliness and accuracy,” says Deputy County Manager Shirley Ragin. “The County is fully committed to prudent financial management practices that are transparent and accountable to the public. I commend Director Pamela Moon and the accounting staff for a job well done.”
Mid-Size County Award
Lea County – Second time recipient
“This award reflects the efforts of all Lea County employees from staff to Elected Officials,” said Finance Director Chip Low. “It would not be possible without the professional dedication of each and every County employee.”
McKinley County – Second time recipient
“McKinley County continually strives to be good stewards of public funds to ensure accountability and transparency from staff to elected officials,” said McKinley County Manager Anthony Dimas. “This award is the definition of teamwork and collaboration.”
Roosevelt County – Second time recipient; won most improved for FY 2016
“Roosevelt County is extremely thankful to have received this award again for a second consecutive fiscal year as we have been working diligently to continue to be conservative and responsible stewards of our taxpayers’ monies,” stated County Manager Amber Hamilton. “We have an incredible team working closely together to ensure the County’s continued financial success, especially notable is our Treasurer and Finance personnel as highlighted with this award.”
Taos County – First time recipient
“The key to government success is fiscal accountability,” said Finance Director Lupe Martinez. County Manager Brent Jaramillo reiterated “Here at Taos County we are committed to Good Governance and adhering to our fiduciary responsibility to our constituents.”
Small County Award
Guadalupe County – Third time recipient
“We left 2019 with an imprint of what our future would look like and arrived in 2020 with this amazing start to our future,” said Guadalupe County Manager/Finance Director Rose Fernandez. “Great things are accomplished when everyone works together as a team and I am proud of every county employee for their dedication.”
The following counties received the FY2018 Continued Excellence and Most Improved County Certificates in recognition of continued audit achievement and financial management excellence:
Continued Excellence Certificate
Chaves County – First time recipient; previously won three audit accountability awards; received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for 4 consecutive years for excellence in financial programming.
Doña Ana County – First time recipient; previously won three audit accountability awards
San Juan County – First time recipient; previously won four audit accountability awards; received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for 13 consecutive years for excellence in financial programming.
Most Improved County Certificate
Eddy County – First time recipient