COUNTY FUND BALANACES HEALTHY, AUDITORS SAY

JACKSON -- The county's fund balances continue to increase, auditors told Cape Girardeau County Commissioners Thursday.

The commission heard a preliminary audit report from William Schott and Vicky Kerby of Schott and Van de Ven, CPAs of Cape Girardeau.

The audit revealed no reportable conditions, Kerby said, although the firm did carry over its recommendations that individual officeholders' operations be included on the county's general ledger and that some employees be required either to document mileage expenses or have their mileage reimbursement money reflected on their W-2s.

Revenues and expenditures have increased about 2 percent each year, Kerby said.

In 1995, the county's assets came to $34.8 million, compared to $31.5 million in 1994.

Included in that 1995 figure is $21.8 million in liabilities, including $17.4 million in tax revenues due other entities, including school districts, the mental health fund, senior citizens fund and others, and $.4 million due to other county funds.

Total fund balances for 1995 came to $12.9 million, up from $11.4 million in 1994. That fund balance includes $3 million in general fixed assets -- such as roads, bridges and building -- and approximately $9.7 million in unreserved funds, compared to $8.5 million in 1994.

"That continues your growth trend," Kerby said.

Schott did suggest the commission begin approving budget amendments throughout the year so the final audit will give a true reflection of the revenues and expenditures.