Washington Township Earns High Marks From Auditor

Washington Township has earned high marks from the Auditor of State which issued an unqualified opinion recognizing the township’s financial statements.

An unqualified audit -- the highest rating presented by the Auditor of State -- means that no material problems were found in the township’s 2006 financial statements and accounting practices. The audit process, which took place in 2007, included an extended on-site visit by state auditors during February and March, followed by a management review prior to issuing the report.

“ Washington Township has a history of unqualified audits that extends back longer than anyone can remember -- more than 20 years,” said Jesse Lightle, township administrator. “These consistently high ratings indicate accounting practices that are thorough and exact, and that have been applied continuously over a long period of time.”

Audits of the township’s financial statements and practices are required every two years. However, to maintain the highest accountability to taxpayers, the Washington Township Finance Department has requested they be conducted annually.

The Finance Department is headed by Fiscal Officer Tom Zobrist who began serving in his elected position in April 2004. Finance Director Mike Barlow has supervised the department’s day-to-day operations since 1991.