Mercadien Group Gives Mercer County a Clean Audit

The Mercadien Group of Hamilton issued a “clean opinion” for Mercer County relating to its 2012 audit, county officials announced this week.

A “clean opinion” is the highest opinion possible relating to an audit, Mercadien Group partners Warren Broudy and Matt Daly told the county freeholders at their July 25 meeting.

“In our opinion, the information (found in the audit) is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to basic financial statements as a whole,” the auditors note in the audit.

In its 132-page audit, which is attached to this story as a PDF, the Mercadien Group reviewed the county’s financial statements for all of last year; examined the county’s compliance with state and federal laws; examined the county’s internal control of its financial reporting; and measured the accuracy of its stated financial strength.

Throughout the audit, the group finds the county in compliance with state law, including in the area of advertising for state contracts, the collection of interest on delinquent taxes and the proper investment of available funds.

At the meeting, they said no audit adjustments are needed, there were no questionable accounting practices and Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and his administration were cooperative throughout the process.

“Mercer County has worked diligently to restore integrity and transparency to County finances,” Hughes said in a prepared statement. “Even during a protracted economic downturn, Mercer County has consistently balanced our budget and adapted to the conditions of the recession. We will continue to work hard to balance our budget responsibly so that residents continue to get the services they need while keeping our eye on the bottom line.”

The Mercadien Group’s policy is not to comment on matters involving clients.