Graham Fire & Rescue Financially Sound

Graham Fire & Rescue
Found Financially Sound and Accountable

For Immediate Release: February 24, 2015

Contact: Fire Chief Ryan Baskett, (253) 548-2501 or rbaskett@grahamfire.org
Deputy Chief Tony Judd, (253) 548-2502 or tjudd@grahamfire.org

GRAHAM, WA – Fire Chief Ryan Baskett announced today that Graham Fire & Rescue has received verification from two separate, well-respected outside sources of their financial position. “Both reports indicate the District is financially sound and accountable for funds provided by the public,” stated Chief Baskett.
The Washington State Auditor’s Office (S.A.O.) recently completed a financial audit of fiscal year 2013 and found:

“The results of our tests disclosed no instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required to be reported under Government Auditing Standards.”

Additionally, the S.A.O. completed an accountability audit and reported:

“In the areas we audited, District operations complied with applicable requirements and provided adequate safeguarding of public resources. The District also complied with state laws and regulations and its own policies and procedures in the areas we examined.”

Chief Baskett stated, “The Auditor was pleased with the additional transparencies and accountabilities put into place by the District since the previous audits.”

Standard and Poor’s also completed a two-year review of the District’s financial information to assess its bond rating. Bond ratings are used to establish credit for government entities much like a personal credit rating. Their review was completed and the report states:
“Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (‘Ratings Services’) hereby affirms its rating of ‘AA-’ for the above-referenced obligations and stable outlook.”

According to Chief Baskett, “Graham Fire & Rescue works diligently to be fiscally responsible, accountable for the facilities and equipment purchased by the tax payers, as well as being transparent in all aspects of our organization.”
All reports listed above are available at www.grahamfire.org or can be obtained by calling the headquarters fire station at 253-847-8811.