HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — Hunterdon County has received a clean annual audit with no findings or recommendations for the 11th consecutive year, according to the county.
The Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners certified its review of the county’s annual audit in accordance with state law. The independent audit reviews the county’s financial records, practices and internal controls.
County officials said the latest results continue a record of fiscal accountability and responsible management of taxpayer funds.
“Over a decade of clean audits is the result of consistent and responsible financial management,” Commissioner Zach Rich, co-liaison to the Budget Committee, said. “A clean audit tells taxpayers that the proper safeguards are in place, that public funds are being properly accounted for, and that this Board takes its responsibility as stewards of taxpayer dollars seriously.”
Hunterdon County has remained free of county debt since 2014 while continuing to invest in infrastructure, public safety, parks, technology and other county services, officials said.
The county said its financial position has also allowed it to provide direct assistance to its 26 municipalities to address local needs and help reduce pressure on municipal taxpayers.
Commissioner Director John E. Lanza said the 11-year streak reflects the county’s broader approach to government and financial oversight.
“Receiving a clean audit for eleven years in a row is not just a financial accomplishment — it is good government,” Lanza said. “Year after year, the independent audit confirms what we already know: Hunterdon County runs a tight financial ship. This milestone reflects the dedication of this Board to fiscal discipline, transparency, accountability, and respect for the taxpayer.”
Lanza said maintaining the record requires cooperation among county officials, departments and employees.
“Good government requires responsible fiscal management throughout County government,” Lanza said. “Our County departments and Administration share this Board’s philosophy, and that culture of accountability is a major reason we have been able to sustain this record for eleven consecutive years.”
Rich and Lanza credited Chief Financial Officer Andrew Bernath, the county Finance Department, county administration, department heads and employees with helping maintain the county’s financial standards.
“I want to thank CFO Andrew Bernath and the entire Finance Department, as well as County Administration and every County department, for their work and for sharing this Board’s philosophy of sound fiscal management,” Rich said. “Maintaining this record takes a Countywide focus on accountability, careful stewardship, and making responsible decisions with taxpayer dollars.”
County officials said the latest audit provides independent confirmation of the county’s financial controls, reporting and oversight of public funds.
