Bamberg County has received an unmodified audit opinion for the eleventh year in a row, according to a March 13 announcement by county officials. The audit, presented at the recent County Council meeting by Controller Gina Smith and Audit Manager Will Walls of Love, Bailey, and Associates, covered the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
The achievement is significant as it demonstrates consistent financial stability and responsible management of public funds. An unmodified audit opinion is considered the highest level of assurance that a county can receive regarding its financial statements.
Gina Smith said, “Once again, I am pleased to present the annual audit with an unmodified audit opinion. This audit opinion is the highest level of assurance that a county can achieve and represents the best possible outcome, providing confidence that the financial statements fairly present the results of operations. It means that the auditors obtained sufficient and appropriate evidence that there are no material departures from generally accepted accounting standards.”
After Smith’s announcement, Councilman Evert Comer, Jr. led attendees in applause for another successful audit. The report also highlighted that Bamberg County closed its books under budget by $252,000 and increased its general fund balance by about $2.8 million. The Bamberg County Detention Center finished approximately $30,000 under budget as well. Over recent years, the county’s fund balance has grown steadily; last year alone saw an increase in Unassigned Fund Balance from about $3.7 million to $5.1 million.
Audit Manager Will Walls said, “Bamberg is fortunate to have such a skilled financial team, which is not always possible for smaller counties with limited resources.” Council Chairwoman Michelle Martin added, “We continually strive for fiscal excellence, and an unmodified audit allows us to serve our constituents as effectively and efficiently as possible. Many thanks to Bamberg County’s superb financial team for helping us achieve our 11th consecutive unmodified audit.”
County Administrator Joey Preston said, “Despite the many challenges we have faced over the last several years while working with a limited staff and budget, Bamberg County’s financial team worked diligently to ensure we not only achieved an unmodified audit but also increased our fund balance surplus.” Preston continued: “Our FY25 audit serves as a source of pride for our County Council, administration, citizens, and staff, and I commend Gina and the entire financial team for another job well done.”
Officials say maintaining a strong unassigned fund balance provides cash flow stability and flexibility while protecting against unexpected expenses.
