Polk County News
2A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • March 1, 2017
Dallas gets clean audit
By Jolene Guzman
The Itemizer-Observer
DALLAS — After haz-
ardous weather and driv-
ing conditions prevented
Dallas’ auditor from visit-
ing with the Dallas City
Council in January, she
was able to give her fiscal
year 2015-16 audit report
Feb. 21.
Auditor Kamala Austin, a
partner in CPA firm Merina
& Company, delivered
mostly good news.
Audits conducted on be-
half of the city of Dallas and
the Dallas Urban Renewal
District received “clean
opinions,” meaning finan-
cial practices were substan-
tially in compliance with
laws.
Austin also conducted a
“single audit” on a federal
loan the city received.
“Something new for the
city of Dallas, but what hap-
Government
pens is if the city receives
over $750,000 in federal
awards, in addition to hav-
ing an audit, you are also re-
quired to have a single
audit,” Austin said.
The single audit ana-
lyzed management prac-
tices on a loan for drinking
water projects. It was
granted by the state of
Oregon, but financed with
federal money, so it’s con-
sidered a federal loan,
Austin explained.
She said the city will have
Fun at Ag Fest
another single audit next
year.
On the city’s regular
audit, Austin said there’s
one omission of note: a
supplies inventory at the
water department. The in-
ventory counts water me-
ters and other supplies and
it wasn’t conducted in time
to be included in the audit.
“It didn’t affect the opin-
ion on the financial state-
ments. You still have a clean
opinion,” she said. “It’s just
something that we noted.”
Austin briefly reported on
the Dallas Urban Renewal
District audit, noting that
the entity is separate from
the city.
“It is its own taxing dis-
trict and is required to have
its own audit, as well,” she
said.
There wasn’t much for
Austin to report on the
URD, as there were no non-
compliance findings.
RACHEL SUDERMAN/for the Itemizer-Observer
Kids enjoy the petting zoo at the Mid-Valley Ag Fest at Polk County Fairgrounds and
Events Center on Saturday and Sunday.
Ben Meyer, AAMS ®
Financial Advisor
503-606-3048
193 E. Main Street
Monmouth, OR 97361
Bob Timmerman
Financial Advisor
503-623-5584
159 SW Court Street
Dallas, OR 97338
Kelly K. Denney
Financial Advisor
503-623-2146
244 E. Ellendale, Suite 2
Dallas, OR 97338
S
pring is just weeks away. The vines have
not started sprouting leaves yet, but local
vineyards are busy bottling new wines and
cuvees to showcase for spring wine club pickups.
Most wine clubs will have a spring pickup in
April, and that means new and exciting choices
for tasters, too — and in the Willamette Valley,
named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusi-
ast Magazine.
Polk County has about 30 wineries to choose
from — most with tasting rooms.
Each one has its own feel. Wine is unique in
that a dozen winemakers could take the same
grapes and decide to make the same kind of
wine, and end up with a dozen different nuances.
To make it more interesting, that same bottle of
wine may taste slightly different — richer, more
full-bodied — six months later.
One great thing about heading out to our local
wineries in spring is dodging the summer
crowds. It gives you a chance to talk one-on-one
with the tasting manager — or, if you’re lucky, the
winemaker, in person.
Regardless if your experience with wine is start-
ing from nothing, or a bottle (or box) of cheap
rosé, you will find a great time to be had at Polk
County wineries. The people are not snobby
about their profession or their wines, and are
eager to share as much knowledge as the wine
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RACHEL SUDERMAN/for the Itemizer-Observer
Faces are painted for free at the Mid-Valley Ag Fest at the Polk County Fairgrounds
and Events Center Saturday and Sunday.
drinker wants to know.
It’s fascinating to learn the
difference between a pinot
noir, pinot gris or pinot
blanc. What, exactly, makes
a cuvee? Why is a rosé
rose? How do you make a
white pinot noir?
Polk County wineries
feature beautiful pinot
noirs — of course, as the
pinot noir grape is what
the Willamette Valley is
known for — but also have
dabbled in exceptional ports
and sparkling varieties. They
grow beautiful white varieties,
producing crisp, fresh, sweet
or dry whites. Local winemakers
have traded with other regions in
Oregon to create lovely deep reds.
While many Polk County wineries hav-
ing tasting rooms open year-round, it is a
good idea to call ahead to make sure before you
head out. Tasting rooms that aren’t open year-
round are often open by appointment during the
winter months.
There truly is something for everyone at Polk
County wineries. If you’re not interested in the
wine itself, take a tour for the views — and bring
a camera, because the hilltop vistas are stunning.
Did we miss you?
Wines of the Valley
publishes monthly in the
Itemizer-Observer
Wines of the
Valley
Full Color Ad
Only $50
a month
www.redgatevineyard.com
503-428-7115
8175 Buena Vista Road
Independence
Reserve your ad today for April 5th!
503-623-2373
Heidi ext 115; Rachel ext 110; Karen ext 118
Thank you to these sponsors. Please make it a point to visit these wineries while exploring our great region.