As the clock struck 1:02 PM on September 30, 2025, the Williamsport Finance Committee convened, bringing together city officials and financial experts in a digital meeting that promised to shed light on the city's fiscal health. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as members prepared to discuss a pivotal agenda item: the acceptance of the fiscal year 2023 audit reports.

Chairperson Liz Meeley opened the meeting with a sense of optimism, noting that the city had struggled with timely audits in the past. "This is very exciting because the city has been exceptionally far behind on audit reports for quite a long time," she stated, hinting at the significance of the current year's findings. The committee was joined by representatives from Zelenkowski Axelrod, who were set to present the audit results.

Kim Stank, one of the auditors, took the floor to share the good news. "We are pleased to be able to present an unmodified opinion over your primary government," she announced, indicating that the financial statements for the city were in good standing. This marked a significant turnaround for Williamsport, which had faced challenges in maintaining accurate financial records in previous years.

However, not all news was positive. Stank pointed out that the parking authority, a component of the city's financial structure, was still behind on its audits, receiving an adverse opinion. This highlighted ongoing issues that the city would need to address to ensure comprehensive financial transparency.

The meeting underscored a critical moment for Williamsport as it strives to improve its financial reporting and accountability. With the successful audit of the primary government, city officials expressed hope that the parking authority could soon catch up, paving the way for a more robust financial future. As the meeting concluded, the committee members left with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to tackle the challenges ahead and build on the progress made in 2023.