At the Sept. 11 meeting of the Centralia College Board of Trustees, Washington state Auditor Pat McCarthy presented the college with a Stewardship Award for its dedication to accountability and transparency in government, according to a news release from Centralia College.
The award stems from the college’s performance in its most recent financial statement audits, which were completed in June.
“It is apparent the College management and staff want to be accountable to Washington residents and good stewards of public funds, which increases public trust in government,” McCarthy said to the college trustees. “They understand the value of our audits and have fostered a positive and professional working relationship with the state auditor’s office.”
Additionally, she praised Nikki Sprague and Carissa Brower, the college’s director and assistant director of fiscal services, for their accuracy, accountability, organization and friendliness during two on-site audits earlier this year, the release stated.
From November to April, state auditors conducted an accountability audit, which is required every three years. From February to May, auditors were on campus to conduct the annual finance audit. Both required college staff to work closely with auditors, provide documentation, answer questions and ensure complete transparency in financial information.
While five to 10 Stewardship Awards are given annually to state agencies, only five have ever been given to community colleges, according to the release. Centralia College has received two of those five. Its first Stewardship Award was given in 2015.
“We take it very seriously,” Centralia College President Bob Mohrbacher said. “We try to keep the why in mind for everything we do, and we do this to serve students.”
Board Chairwoman Annalee Tobey said, “It’s not every day you can celebrate around the word ‘audit.’”
