Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. JAMES—Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) received an unmodified audit opinion from Sikich for the period ending June 31, 2021. The board had approved a draft of the single audit contingent on no changes when finalized at its September 8 board meeting. The board reaffirmed that approval following the presentation by Tammy Alsop of Sikich.

An unmodified audit report occurs when an independent auditor deems a company’s financial statements are fairly and appropriately presented, without any identified exceptions, and in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable federal regulations. 

MRPC had revenues of $2,828,814 for the year ending June 30, 2021 and expenses of $2,798,950. MRPC ended the year with a profit of $29,864. The audit also includes audits of MRB, Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee and MRPC’s revolving loan funds as component units.

“I am extremely proud of the MRPC team and their attention to detail,” said Executive Director Bonnie Prigge. “Every staff member plays a role in our success, from following procurement policies to filling out purchase orders and attaching supporting documentation. Our fiscal team does the heavy lifting in ensuring that revenue and expenses are applied to the appropriate projects and are reported accurately.”  

The audit firm did not issue a management letter or any recommendations for improvement. 

In other business, the MRPC board: 

• Heard grant end reports on the Rural Opioid Initiative Grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Naturally Meramec program which concluded at the end of Sept. Both of these programs, have received additional funding; 
• Learned the state has opened more ARPA grants available for law enforcement, fire and EMS, as well as a separate grant available for small businesses and tourism; and
• Was informed of a grant opportunity for 501(c)3 nonprofits, churches and schools in the Meramec Region through the Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) for up to $500 for community projects was open until Jan. 31. 

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. Steve Vogt, representing the city of Belle, serves as chairman of the board. A professional staff of 36 offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

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