Maricopa Joins Arizona Cities with Impressive ‘Clean’ Audit Results

In a recent city council meeting on February 18, 2025, Maricopa officials received a positive financial audit report from Heinfeld, Meech & Co. Audit Partner Christopher Heinfeld presented a thorough review, stating that the city’s financial standing is solid.

For the fiscal year ending 2024, the audit revealed no “significant deficiencies or material weaknesses” in the city’s financial records. Heinfeld remarked, “I’m proud to let you know that there were no audit adjustments that were required for the financial statements.”

Despite the commendatory findings, Councilmember Bob Marsh added a touch of humor regarding public speculation about council expenditures. He quipped, “From time to time on social media, there are vocal claims about city council lining their pockets with taxpayer money. Your audit didn’t seem to catch any of that.” Heinfeld confirmed that no such findings were reported.

The 152-page audit highlighted several key financial metrics for Maricopa:

• The total net position of governmental activities saw an increase of $80.1 million, attributed to greater state funding and developer contributions.
• Government expenses reached $99.8 million, a notable 31% rise from the previous year, largely due to expanded public works projects.
• The general fund amassed $105.1 million in revenues from property tax, sales tax, and intergovernmental sources.
• The city successfully sold $7 million in land.
• Sales tax revenue is projected to grow by approximately $1 million for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25.

Maricopa is not alone in receiving favorable financial evaluations. Last month, Chandler was awarded a similar ‘clean’ audit, and most Arizona cities and towns, including Casa Grande, Tempe, Queen Creek, and Buckeye, have also received commendable financial reports from the same auditing firm.