State Auditor recognizes King County for excellence in financial stewardship

August 31, 2015

Summary

The State Auditor's Office presented a Stewardship Award to King County for its success in improving compliance with federal grant requirements and its dedication to making government work better and more efficiently.

Story

The State Auditor's Office has recognized the continuous improvement efforts undertaken by King County by presenting a Stewardship Award. The award comes as the auditor's office issued its latest report today on federal grants compliance for King County, specifically noting improvements over prior years in Metro Transit and Public Health - Seattle & King County.

"For five years we've worked continuously to improve communication with the State Auditor and strengthen internal controls in the administration of these federal grants," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. "I want to thank the Acting Auditor for recognizing our effort to become the best-run government in the nation."

In making the award, the State Auditor's Office noted King County's commitment to addressing prior findings related to federal grant reporting requirements. Actions taken by King County since 2010 include creating an Executive Audit Committee that is responsible for ensuring strong internal financial controls. The County also made a major investment in additional training for staff involved in the administration of federal grants. This investment led to a dramatic reduction in the number of findings, from 14 in 2010 to just one in the most recent audit.

"It is apparent King County management and staff want to be accountable to the citizens and good stewards of public funds," wrote acting state auditor Jan Jutte in a letter announcing the award. "They understand the value of our audits and have fostered a positive and professional working relationship with the Washington State Auditor's Office."

"We're always working to improve our processes and make King County government work better," said King County finance director Ken Guy. "It's not every day that we get an award from the State Auditor's Office, and I commend our staff for their hard work in making this award possible."

The Single Federal Audit Report for King County is now available on the State Auditor's website.

Quotes

For five years we've worked continuously to improve communication with the State Auditor and strengthen internal controls in the administration of these federal grants. I want to thank the Acting Auditor for recognizing our effort to become the best-run government in the nation.

It is apparent King County management and staff want to be accountable to the citizens and good stewards of public funds. They understand the value of our audits and have fostered a positive and professional working relationship with the Washington State Auditor's Office.

We're always working to improve our processes and make King County government work better. It's not every day that we get an award from the State Auditor's Office, and I commend our staff for their hard work in making this award possible.

For more information

Cameron Satterfield, Department of Executive Services, 206-263-9758