State awards Unicoi County second consecutive clean audit

Unicoi County, among 14 other Tennessee counties, earned an award for its second clean fiscal audit in a row.Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Jason Mumpower announced Tuesday, May 27 at a Kiwanis Club meeting at Erwin Town Hall that only 14 counties across the state received clean audit reports for the fiscal year ending June 30, marking a record-setting year for state financial accountability.The counties recognized include Bedford, Campbell, Cannon, Dickson, Grainger, Houston, Loudon, Putnam, Robertson, Scott, Sevier, Stewart, Unicoi and Weakley. These counties, audited by the Comptroller's Division of Local Government Audit, received no audit findings — a sign of sound financial management and effective internal controls."These 14 counties have demonstrated a commitment to sound financial management and internal controls," Mumpower said in a press release. "A clean audit is a significant achievement that requires diligence and accountability. Congratulations to the elected officials, leaders, and staff members in these counties for their hard work."Local officials highlighted the award's significance in a year marked by adversity and recovery."Unicoi County was one of 14 counties that received the award, and we don't take that lightly," said Unicoi County Mayor Garland Evely, noting "If you take care of your pennies, you can mind your dimes later."Evely stated this is the county's second clean audit in four years, and the second consecutive year it has earned the honor. That financial stewardship has been especially important over the past eight months, as the county continues to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene."I've lived here all my life," Evely said. "The last eight months have been taxing to say the least. We hope to be a long way down the road this time next year."As part of that recovery, Evely outlined the county's efforts to secure funding and move forward with critical infrastructure projects. He reported that Unicoi County received $9.3 million in funding to rebuild the Chestoa Bridge and $2.2 million to advance a rail spur project, both of which were approved by FEMA"We're trying to move forward with all projects going on right now," he said in an update to members.Despite a $570,000 budget shortfall this fiscal year, Evely said the county avoided a tax increase thanks to a $3.7 million revenue loss replacement allocation from the state. This support, he said, helped Unicoi stay on track with planned recovery and development projects.Comptroller Mumpower, who was present at the meeting, praised the county's fiscal resilience and efforts during the crisis."As far as helping with damage, Unicoi has been first on our mind," he said, adding "Out of 95 counties, Unicoi County is one of 14 to receive a clean audit. It's a sign that things are being done right and well in Unicoi County."Statewide, the 91 counties audited by the Comptroller's Office had a total of 260 audit findings in fiscal year 2024, averaging 2.86 findings per county, according to the release. This marks a historically low number, especially when compared to the previous year's average of 3.57.In a follow-up interview, Mumpower emphasized how significant the milestone is, both for Unicoi and for the state as a whole."14 is the largest number we've ever had," he said, explaining that Tennessee's clean audit program has been in place for about ten years, and more counties are now putting in the effort to meet the high standards."What we see are more and more counties really digging in and paying attention and doing the work it takes to keep their finances in order, which earns them a clean audit," he said.Mumpower also underscored why these results matter to citizens in the interview."A clean audit shows to the citizens that have elected the folks running the county, they're doing a good job with the citizens' money," he said. "The biggest ramification of a bad audit — an audit that has numerous findings — is that the citizens don't have confidence in counties that are run when they have a lot of findings."He added that Unicoi's second consecutive clean audit reflects ongoing discipline and transparency in local government."It means that they are managing the people's money correctly," he added. "It implies trust and confidence in the leaders of the county."That trust extends to recovery programs benefiting residents directly. Mumpower noted that many Unicoi property owners affected by Hurricane Helene have already begun taking advantage of state assistance.The assistance comes through a relief program from the Tennessee General Assembly and the State of Tennessee, which provides financial aid to property owners whose properties were destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Helene in 2024. Eligible residents may receive assistance equal to the full amount of the 2024 property tax levied on the affected property, plus an additional thirty percent.Only properties identified by a county's assessor of property by January 28, 2025, are eligible. Property owners must complete the application process by June 30, 2025, to qualify for the funds. In Unicoi County, 75% of eligible property owners have already claimed the grant, according to Mumpower."I'm very glad property owners took advantage of that grant, and I hope they receive the money they are allocated," he said.Beyond county-level financial performance, Mumpower also reflected on Tennessee's broader economic standing toward the end of the meeting."Our office is involved with everything to do with money for all state finances including towns, cities, utilities," he said. "We have one of the lowest tax rates and debt per capita in the nation. Legislature manages our money very well."Looking ahead, he said Tennessee remains on stable financial footing despite lower-than-projected economic growth."I'd rather be above than below," Mumpower said, explaining that the state's conservative budgeting practices have helped manage slower growth. "Tennessee is in great shape economically as a state."He added that Tennessee's population growth continues to rank among the highest nationally."In 2021, Tennessee was one of the fastest-growing states," he said in the meeting. " In 2023, we were sixth with 83,000 new residents, and in 2024, we're still counting, but I think we're again within the top seven."After the meeting, Mumpower provided more insight into the meaning and consequences of audit results."Every county is audited every year," he said. "What I can tell you is, this is the second year in a row Unicoi has a clean audit," he said. "They have, to my knowledge, not had a bad audit in recent history."He said that while clean audits build public confidence, poor audits can have serious consequences."You don't need to look far. I mean, you can search the reason last year in Carter County — there were 14 findings," he said. "It could be anything, including a complete takeover of county operations by the Comptroller if they get that far off track."When asked what a clean audit means in practical terms, Mumpower was clear."It means that they are managing the people's money correctly," he said. "It implies trust and confidence in the leaders of the county."