College Station Welcomes New Auditor and Celebrates Transparency

News Summary

College Station has officially hired an outside auditing firm to ensure financial accountability, marking a significant step towards transparency. During the City Council meeting on March 13, auditor John DeBurro reported that the 2024 fiscal year audit placed College Station’s finances in the upper echelon. The city also received the Texas Comptroller’s Transparency Stars Trailblazer Award, recognizing its dedication to financial transparency. With an upcoming proposed budget of $540 million, College Station is focused on infrastructure growth without increasing property taxes, all while welcoming the new Drury Plaza Hotel.

College Station Welcomes New Auditor and Celebrates Financial Transparency Success

In a big step towards ensuring financial accountability, the vibrant City of College Station has officially hired a new outside auditing company to take a close look at its finances. This is not just any audit; it’s the first conducted by the new firm, and the results were shared during the City Council meeting held on March 13, 2025.

Top-Notch Audit Results

The newly appointed auditor, John DeBurro, comes with substantial experience, having audited over 50 cities during his nearly 25 years in the field. He impressed everyone by ranking College Station’s financial audit for the 2024 fiscal year as “in the upper echelon.” City Manager Bryan Woods explained that this switch in auditors often leads to necessary corrections and emphasized the significance of receiving a clean opinion on the audit.

A Rewarding Achievement

Just one week after that important council meeting, the good news kept rolling in for College Station, as it was honored with the Texas Comptroller’s Transparency Stars Trailblazer Award. This coveted award is a recognition of the city’s remarkable dedication to maintaining high levels of financial transparency and accountability. The Texas Comptroller, Glenn Hegar, underscored just how vital it is for the public to have easy access to financial information. This access allows for informed decision-making in a democratic society.

Detailed Financial Insights

To receive the Trailblazer Award, College Station worked hard to open its books across several financial areas. These include traditional finances, contracts, procurement, economic development, public pensions, debt obligations, and compliance. The results? A resounding confirmation of the city’s commitment to transparency.

Accessibility is Key

In support of its newfound award, the city’s Finance Department has launched an informative Financial Transparency webpage. This user-friendly site offers a treasure trove of financial documents, including annual reports, budgets, check registers, and other essential data, making it easier than ever for citizens to stay informed about how their tax dollars are being spent.

Exciting Budget Plans Ahead

$540 million for Fiscal Year 2025. This budget aims to uphold core services while also focusing on investments in crucial infrastructure. Positive news is that there are no proposed increases in property taxes, with the rate remaining steady at 51.3086 cents per $100 of valuation.

Investing in the Future

In the proposed budget, about $366.2 million is allocated for operations, and $174.3 million for capital projects—an almost 10% rise from last year. The water service rates are set to rise by 10%, which is necessary to meet supply demands and cover new wells and rehabilitation projects. Let’s not forget that 90% of College Station water users consume under 8,000 gallons, paying a minimum charge of $2.75.

Controlling Costs while Growing

While rates for electric and wastewater services are expected to remain constant, some services, including solid waste, drainage, and roadway maintenance, may see a slight 3.5% increase due to inflation.

It’s important to note that College Station is witnessing an impressive population growth of around 2,500 new residents each year, fueled by the presence of nearly 80,000 students from Texas A&M University. The city’s projected population is set to surpass 130,000 by 2025!

Enhancements for the Workforce

The budget proposal also acknowledges employee efforts by including a 3% increase in pay scales along with an additional 1.5%-3% step increase for public safety employees. Remarkably, the city has managed not to increase healthcare insurance costs for its staff for five straight years.

Infrastructure and Community Projects

Excitingly, planned capital projects will improve traffic management, enhance roads, promote affordable housing, and enrich parks and recreational spaces. New infrastructure projects are on the horizon, including electrical transmission line relocations and new water wells aimed at supporting community needs.

Engagement for a Brighter Tomorrow

Mark your calendars! There will be public workshops to engage citizens about the upcoming budget from July 15-17, with a public hearing set for July 25 and final budget adoption scheduled for August 22.

New Accommodations in Town

Finally, just in time for the summer season, the Drury Plaza Hotel College Station has officially opened its doors. This is the 18th Drury Hotel to grace Texas, boasting 160 guest rooms and meeting spaces designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers. Visitors can enjoy various amenities, such as a delicious hot breakfast, an indoor pool, and fitness centers.

It’s indeed an exciting time for College Station as it continues to grow and evolve while ensuring transparency and accountability stay at the forefront of its governance!

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Additional Resources

• WTAW: College Station Audit Review
• Wikipedia: Financial Audit
• 12th Man: Toole Retirement Announcement
• Google Search: Texas A&M University Athletics CFO
• Lodging Magazine: Drury Plaza Hotel Opening
• Google Scholar: Drury Plaza Hotel College Station
• PR Newswire: First Financial Bank Promotions
• Encyclopedia Britannica: First Financial Bank
• Sports Illustrated: Texas A&M Financial Success
• Google News: Texas A&M University Financial Success