RITZVILLE — Adams County received a clean bill of health in its latest accountability audit, with state auditors reporting no findings and concluding the county complied with laws, safeguarded public resources and maintained adequate internal controls during 2024. 

In a report published April 13, the Washington State Auditor’s Office said county operations “complied, in all material respects, with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies, and provided adequate controls over the safeguarding of public resources” for the areas examined. 

Auditors reviewed Adams County’s practices from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024, focusing on areas considered at highest risk for fraud, loss or noncompliance.  

Those included unemployment self-insurance, budget compliance, payroll leave balances, property tax valuations, use of restricted building permit fees, tracking of theft‑sensitive assets and compliance with the state’s Open Public Meetings Act. 

The audit found no deficiencies in any of those categories. 

“Independent audits provide essential accountability and transparency for County operations,” State Auditor Pat McCarthy wrote in a letter to the Board of Commissioners. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with your staff and value your cooperation during the audit.” 

Adams County, home to about 20,700 residents, operated on a $59.6 million budget in 2024 and employs 188 people across public safety, roads, courts, health services, solid waste and land use planning. 

The audit also reviewed the county’s financial condition for signs of distress and found no concerns. 

While the accountability audit focuses on compliance and internal controls, Adams County’s financial statements and federal grant compliance are addressed in a separate report. That document, also released by the Auditor’s Office, is available through the state’s online report portal. 

Adams County’s next accountability audit will cover the 2025 fiscal year.