Auditor: Auburn in good financial shape

The city of Auburn is in pretty good financial shape, according to an annual audit released this week. But whether that is enough to buffer it from the coming economic storm has yet to be seen, according to a representative from the auditor.

Roger Beer, from Green and Seifter, PLLC, commended the Auburn city council and staff Thursday for the city's stable finances and quality reporting. Reviewing a report of the fiscal year ending June 2008, Beer said most of the city's funds recorded higher revenues than expenses, as well as higher revenues than the prior year.

Beer also said the city has been aided by impressive sales tax revenues and especially low health insurance costs. But economic factors may not guarantee easy financial times in the future, he warned.