Beyond the Books, July 2012

For questions or concerns, please contact:
Kitsap County Auditor - Elections/Voter Registration
(360)337-7128
FAX (360)337-5769

Each year our Financial Services Division completes a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This report provides a detailed snapshot of the County’s financial statements for the previous fiscal year. The report contains meaningful financial information that is available to legislative bodies, creditors, investors, teachers and students of public finance, and members of the public.

In April we completed the report for fiscal year 2011. The report was approved by the State Auditor’s Office, which gave us an “unqualified review” – the best review possible.

For the past 14 consecutive years Kitsap County has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. We anticipate with our submission this year, we will again receive the award. This Certificate of Achievement is among the highest forms of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting in North America.

These reports are available on our Financial Services website. The introductory section provides a great overview of the County’s overall financial status. This report is just one of the ways we provide accountable and transparent government by opening our “books” for all to see.

Elections and Voter Registration
With the August 7 Primary Election right around the corner, there are some important dates, deadlines and resources to be aware of. Election season kicks into full steam on July 20, when voters will begin to receive their ballots and Local Voters’ Pamphlets in the mail. Also on July 20, our Accessible Voting Units and 24-hour ballot drop boxes are available through 8 o’clock on Election Night.

Accessible Voting Units allow voters with disabilities to cast their ballots independently and in private. They are available in our office and in locations throughout the county. Our six, 24-hour ballot drop boxes are also available in convenient locations from Bainbridge Island to Port Orchard. These ballot drop boxes provide a secure way for voters to deposit their ballots postage free.

Voters not currently registered in Washington state have until 5 p.m. on July 30 to register in person at the Auditor’s Office to vote in the Primary.

We encourage voters to mail their ballots early to ensure they are postmarked no later than Election Day. And don’t forget to sign the lavender return envelope. Your signature is needed in order for your ballot to be counted!

Financial Services
A highlight of any year for Financial Services is receiving a clean audit opinion from the Washington State Auditor’s Office, which they provided on June 21. This opinion is then included in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Our Payroll team continues to step up their audit processes to ensure all of our employees are paid properly. This includes complying with the Fair Labor Standards Act. They recently completed a review of all employees to ensure all wage calculations were accurate.

In Accounts Payable we continue to move toward a paperless processing system. We completed the first phase of testing a new system that makes it easier for departments to process their records while also making it easier for our staff to audit those records. The next phase involves testing the system with five county departments to ensure it meets their needs. If we receive positive results, we will present the new process to the entire county.

Recording
In our Recording Division we see an increase in couples applying for marriage licenses during the warm summer months.

Applicants do not have to be residents of Washington state to obtain a marriage license. However, the license is only valid for weddings that are performed within this state. There is a three day waiting period after applying for a marriage license, at which time couples may not get married. The application is valid for 60 days following the waiting period.

The fee is $64, payable in cash or check and is non-refundable. A portion of the fees from the Marriage License helps fund family services such as parenting classes, child development and intervention services. More information about applying for a Marriage License is available on our website.

In addition to Marriage Licenses, we record numerous other documents including Military Discharge papers. Military veterans are encouraged to record their DD214 Military Discharge papers. These documents are available should a veteran ever need documentation of their military service. To learn more, visit www.kitsapgov.com/aud/records/recordingforms.

Licensing
With more than 20 state parks in ans around Kitsap Peninsula, there are endless opportunities to discover the outdoors on beautiful hikes and on the water. Remember to display the Discover Pass in your vehicle when visiting state parks. Revenue from the Discover Pass helps keep our state parks open to the public.

There are several convenient ways to purchase a Discover Pass:

· In person at any of the nearly 600 retail locations throughout the state

· At the State Parks headquarters, regional office, or at a state park when staff is available

· Online through the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife

· By phone at 866-320-9933

· When you renew your vehicle tabs at our office or at one of our sub-agencies

We hope you take time to enjoy our state parks this year and have a safe and wonderful summer!

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Kitsap County Auditor's Office, 360-337-7128
Email: auditor@co.kitsap.wa.us

Last Updated: July 12, 2012

Walt Washington
County Auditor (D)

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