Audit Critical of Steuben County Fund Balance Management

Photo: Steuben County (Facebook)

Steuben County officials failed to effectively manage the county’s fund balance, a recent audit from New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli shows.

The audit showed that, as of December 31, 2024, the county held $103.4 million in unrestricted funds in the general fund—equal to 48% of the next year’s budget—and $15.5 million in the road fund, or 53% of its budget.

According to the audit, the county legislature had not adopted a clear fund balance policy or developed a comprehensive, written multiyear financial or capital plan.

Following initial discussions with the Comptroller’s office, the legislature updated its administrative code to set a maximum general fund balance goal and adopt a formal reserve fund policy. In July 2025, the county also established and funded new reserves, significantly reducing its unrestricted fund balance.

The complete report can be found below:

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