The City of West Des Moines has received a positive fiscal review as Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC completed an independent audit of the city’s financial records for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This audit resulted in an unmodified or “clean” opinion, which is the highest level of assurance possible from an independent auditor.
Audit Background
In compliance with Iowa’s Municipal Oversight Law, the City of West Des Moines underwent an independent financial audit for Fiscal Year 2025. Such audits are mandated annually and can be executed by independent certified public accountants or the State Auditor’s Office, strictly adhering to generally accepted auditing standards.
The audit process culminates in one of four potential opinions:
- Unmodified opinion: This is a “clean” opinion indicating the financial statements accurately represent the city’s financial status.
- Modified opinion: Similar to an unmodified opinion but includes certain exceptions.
- Adverse opinion: This opinion states that the financial statements do not accurately reflect the city’s financial position.
- Disclaimer of opinion: The auditor cannot form an opinion due to incomplete records or limited audit scope.
Audit Opinion and Financial Highlights
For the fiscal year 2025, Mauldin & Jenkins issued an unmodified opinion, confirming that West Des Moines’ financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
- Net Position: The city’s net position rose to $920.1 million, an increase from $885.2 million in the previous year.
- Governmental Activities Revenues: Decreased by $5 million from the prior year, totaling $167 million.
- Business-Type Activities:
- Revenues saw a decrease of $2.1 million from the previous year.
- Charges for services grew by $1.9 million.
- Grants and contribution revenue fell by $4.8 million, primarily due to one-time payments received the previous year.
- Governmental Activities Expenses: These expenses increased by 10% or $11.7 million, attributed to investments in public works infrastructure and personnel costs.
Audit Findings and Recommendations
The audit found no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the city’s internal controls. However, a statutory reporting issue was noted, where budgeted disbursements exceeded appropriations in the Debt Service function. This issue, along with suggested corrective actions, is detailed on page 144 of the annual comprehensive financial report.
Next Steps and Report Availability
The West Des Moines City Council formally received the audit results and the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report on December 15, 2025. These documents, accompanied by the Auditor’s Discussion & Analysis, have been referred to the Finance & Administration subcommittee for further examination.
This information is available on pages 368-546 of the Council Meeting Agenda.
In addition, the audit report will be posted on the State of Iowa Auditor’s website.
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