PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: [email protected] 513.369.6967 Visit our press room at: http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/press/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 15, 2014 Ohio State Auditor gives Public Library of Cincinnati And Hamilton County Award With Distinction A recent financial audit of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County has returned a clean audit report. The Public Library’s excellent record keeping has earned it the Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction. The annual audit is conducted to review the library’s internal fiscal controls and compliance for the 2013 fiscal year. “Clean and accurate record-keeping are the foundation for good government,” says Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost. “The taxpayers can take pride in the Library’s commitment to accountability.” Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Fiscal Officer Molly DeFosse, left, with Ohio State Auditor Southwest Regional Liaison Rian Beckham. The Auditor of State Award with Distinction is presented to local governments and school districts upon the completion of a financial audit. Entities that receive the award meet the following criteria of a “clean” audit report:    The entity must file timely financial reports with the Auditor of State’s office in accordance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles); The audit report does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Single Audit findings or questioned costs; The entity’s management letter contains no comments related to:  Ethics referrals  Questioned costs less than $10,000  Lack of timely report submission  Reconciliation  Failure to obtain a timely Single Audit  Findings for recovery less than $100  Public meetings or public records The results of the report were presented to the Library’s Board of Trustees at its meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2014. “The report indicates that, in all areas that were examined, the Library’s internal controls were adequate to safeguard public assets,” stated Ross Wright, President of the Board of Trustees. “We are very pleased that the report showed that we have complied with state laws and regulations, as well as our own policies and procedures.” --more-- The final audit report is available on the state Auditor’s website at http://cinlib.org/1vBdSQw. About Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is one of the oldest, largest, and busiest libraries in the United States, serving a population of over 800,000 with a collection of more than 9 million items. In support of its mission of connecting people with the world of ideas and information, the Library also offers a wide variety of services and more than 20,000 free programs each year. For more information, visit www.CincinnatiLibrary.org. ###