The State Auditor's Office approved in a recent report the financial accountability of the City of Des Moines in 2007.

"We are pleased to report no findings (of non-compliance)," Audit Manager Brian Taylor informed City Manager Tony Piasecki. "There were no significant difficulties encountered or disagreements with entity management during the audit."

The audit reviewed financial statements, accountability for public resources and compliances with laws and regulations, and compliance with federal regulations.

"Any time a city gets a favorable audit with no findings, you always have to look at the source of that success," said Mayor Bob Sheckler. "And unquestionably in my mind, that belongs to Paula Henderson, our finance director, and her staff

"They are the ones who do our internal audit. If they fail in their job, we get findings from the state. If they don't fail in their job, we don't get findings."

Sheckler added that the audit shows the city is "keeping our commitment to the citizens for fiscal responsibility."

The audit recommended three areas for improvement by the city: the monthly reviews of Municipal Court reports and documentation by judges of altered fine amounts on infraction tickets, and the establishment of controls to ensure full compliance with state requirements for competitive bids for professional services.