Elgin's Financial Audit Shows Improvement, Fewer Issues

City earns clean opinion, cuts audit findings in half compared to previous year

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:00pm

Elgin, Texas has received a positive financial audit report, with independent auditors noting improved revenues, fewer fiscal issues, and the city earning the best possible review of its financial statements. The audit found the city's assets exceeded its debts by nearly $70 million for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and the city recorded an overall increase of about $11 million in its financial position during that time.

Why it matters

The improved audit results indicate Elgin is making progress in addressing past financial challenges, which had led to a state investigation by the Texas Rangers. Strengthening the city's financial standing is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the continued delivery of essential services to residents.

The details

The audit found Elgin's revenue totaled $22.2 million, an increase of roughly $3.4 million from the previous year, with much of the growth coming from higher property values, increased service fees, and additional grants. Governmental expenses totaled $19 million, reflecting spending across major service areas. The city ended the fiscal year with about $8.7 million in total reserves, including roughly $2.8 million that could be used for emergencies, though officials said they will continue to push for more reserve funding.

  • The audit covered the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.
  • The audit report was presented to the City Council on March 17, 2026.

The players

Mike Brooks

An auditor from BrooksWaston & Co. who presented the audit report to the Elgin City Council.

Robert Eads

The Elgin City Manager, who said the city is on the right path to address past financial issues and build a stronger financial foundation.

Pamela Sanders

Elgin's Interim Finance Director, whose team was praised for their work in preparing the audit.

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas, who announced in October 2025 that the state would launch a deeper investigation into Elgin's finances.

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What they’re saying

“Overall, the audit went much better this year, and we were able to get it issued much sooner. It's been quite some time since the city was able to get the information to us prior to March, and the staff here did a great job of getting it to us.”

— Mike Brooks, Auditor, BrooksWaston & Co.

“We have two months in reserve, and I'd like to get us to the point where we have at least six months. I'm proud of our Interim Finance Director Pamela Sanders and her team, and I anticipate working with them to build a strong executive financial team to move us where we need to be.”

— Robert Eads, City Manager

What’s next

The city remains under investigation by the Texas Rangers following a state probe into alleged financial violations. The investigation remains active, and it is unclear how long it will continue.

The takeaway

Elgin's improved financial audit results demonstrate the city is making progress in addressing past challenges, but there is still work to be done to strengthen the city's financial foundation and rebuild public trust. The ongoing state investigation will continue to be a key factor in Elgin's path forward.