State Auditor recognizes city of Kirkland’s “culture of accountability” with Stewardship Award

Published 9:00 am Monday, September 7, 2015

The city of Kirkland was recently recognized by Acting State Auditor Jan Jutte with a Stewardship Award for the city’s “culture of accountability” and acknowledges the responsiveness, openness, and professionalism of city staff throughout the audits conducted earlier this year. Kirkland is one of first jurisdictions to receive the inaugural award, joining King County, the city of Sammamish and Centralia College. Earlier this year, the State Auditor’s Office conducted audits of Kirkland in the areas of accountability, financial reporting, federal grants and pension reporting for the fiscal year 2014.

“This recognition highlights Kirkland’s commitment to positive relations with the State Auditor’s Office and our shared commitment to transparency,” said Kirkland City Council Member Doreen Marchione, Chair, City Council Finance Committee.

In addition to the city’s overall culture of accountability, Kirkland was recognized for its “strong control process” over its Police Department evidence room as the Evidence Technician demonstrated quick and easy access to all items requested during the Accountability audit.

This is the first year the State Auditor’s Office has presented the Stewardship Award to governments who go above and beyond in their transparency with the public and their stewardship of public funds.