Helena's finances came through two separate audits without a blemish, the Helena City Commission confirmed in a 4-0 vote to accept the fiscal year 2025 results.

Finance Director Danielson told commissioners the city received unmodified opinions on both its financial audit and its federal single audit — meaning auditors found no material misstatements and no significant compliance deficiencies. The city was required to undergo the separate federal audit because it received more than $1 million in federal funding, driven primarily by transit dollars and more than $1.4 million in community development block grants. The work was conducted by Mayer Duessel.

An audit committee consisting of Commissioner Logan, Commissioner Reid, and Mayor Dean as alternate reviewed the findings at a March 6th meeting before recommending acceptance to the full commission.

A management letter accompanying the audit flagged several minor recommendations: the need for an artificial intelligence policy, improved cash handling controls at the golf course and civic center, parking sales reconciliation issues since resolved through new transportation division software, petty cash reconciliation controls since addressed internally, and IT disaster recovery and user access review procedures to be taken up at an upcoming IT committee meeting. Auditors noted that small operations inherently limit the ability to implement full internal controls. No findings were cited in either audit.

City Manager praised Danielson and her team, noting the finance department was significantly understaffed throughout the audit period while simultaneously managing budget preparations.