Award Recognizes MORPC's Transparency and Sound Fiscal Management, and "Four Stars" for Best Practices
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has been honored with the Ohio Auditor of State’s Award with Distinction for its exemplary 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The award, presented at today’s Board of Commissioners meeting by the Ohio Auditor of State’s Regional Liaison Scott Brown, recognized MORPC’s commitment to financial reporting excellence and transparency.
The Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction is bestowed upon agencies that exhibit unparalleled financial reporting practices and adhere to the highest standards of accountability. This recognition is reserved for organizations that not only file an ACFR but also present timely financial reports in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, while simultaneously receiving an unmodified audit report devoid of findings. Additionally, MORPC was awarded four stars, the highest achievement in the StaRS Rating System, monitoring transparency in government. The StaRS is awarded to public offices which create an open and transparent government meeting the suggested best practices based on the Sunshine Laws. Four stars represent the highest designation and are received by agencies which implement five or more best practices.
"This award is a testament to our rigorous financial stewardship, enabling us to support transformative projects that enhance the quality of life in our communities. We are honored to receive the Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction and will continue working with integrity and transparency as we navigate the complexities of regional planning."
According to Auditor Faber, by keeping accurate financial records, governing bodies demonstrate their commitment to efficient, effective, and transparent service. This award honors public agencies that have put in the arduous work to keep their finances in order.
"MORPC’s Finance Team is deeply honored to receive this award for the tenth consecutive year. We are proud to be among the 4 percent of audited entities to receive this award for excellence in financial reporting and are fully committed to responsibly managing our finances, ensuring the continued trust and confidence of our region."
The Ohio Auditor of State’s Office presents the Award with Distinction to local governments and school districts upon the completion of a financial audit. Entities that receive the award meet the following criteria which include filing financial reports within the statutory due date, adhering to the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and submitting an ACFR. Moreover, the audit report should be free from findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Uniform Guidance (Single Audit) findings, or questioned costs.
MORPC’s financial stewardship was also demonstrated by a management letter than contains no comments related to ethics referrals, questioned costs less than the threshold per the Uniform Guidance, lack of timely report submission, bank reconciliation issues, failure to obtain a timely single audit in accordance with Uniform Guidance Findings for recovery less than $500, public meetings or public records issues, and other financial or other concerns.
MORPC receives funding from federal sources and the state of Ohio, public utility companies, city and county governments of Central Ohio, membership dues and tax-deductible contributions and grants from foundations and corporations. MORPC is both a political subdivision and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
To review MORPC’s 2023 ACFR, visit Budget and Finances – MORPC.org
