OSA Weekly Update - 2/21/2025

The Audit and Reporting Group (AaRG) needs your feedback! We’ve received helpful responses from last week’s survey about what local entities face during audits including audit costs, auditor shortages, and meeting deadlines. We want to learn more about your firsthand experiences to help us examine ways to improve audits and reporting in Minnesota. 

The survey is anonymous and should take under five minutes to complete. The results will be shared with members of the AaRG, legislators, local leaders, and the wider public.

Click here to begin the survey. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Nadine Kottom-Dale at nadine.kottom-dale@osa.state.mn.us or 612-391-7000.

Cities, towns, and school districts have the authority to use credit cards (which include "p-cards") to purchase otherwise authorized goods and services. However, the use of credit cards can open up local units of government to numerous financial risks, including the loss of public funds. In an effort to minimize these risks, Minnesota law requires the implementation of a number of internal controls. We urge the adoption of a comprehensive credit card policy that implements statutory requirements, as well as good management practices. Some best practices include regular reconciliations by a supervisor of a user's card activity, as well as periodic audits of the same.

For suggestions on safeguards that should be included in a credit card policy, see the OSA’s Statement of Position “Credit Card Use & Policies” here.

The full Avoiding Pitfall is available on the OSA website.