Laketran receives Auditor of State Award with Distinction

September 9, 2026 - 01:00

Laketran has been awarded the Auditor of State Award with Distinction, a recognition given to public agencies that meet the highest standards of financial record-keeping and accountability. The award was presented by Tina Ludwig, the Northeast Ohio Regional Liaison for Auditor of State Keith Faber, during a recent board meeting.

The distinction is not handed out lightly. To qualify, an organization must file a clean audit report with no findings for recovery, no material citations, and no significant issues related to internal controls. In other words, the agency's books have to be in order, with every dollar tracked and reported properly.

Laketran officials said the honor reflects the hard work of their finance team and the commitment of the entire staff to transparency. The agency, which provides public transit services across Lake County, has made a point of tightening its budgeting practices in recent years, especially as it manages state and federal funding alongside local revenue.

Receiving this award means Laketran is not only following the rules but also setting an example for other public entities in the region. The agency has now demonstrated consistent fiscal discipline, which matters to riders and taxpayers who want assurance that their money is being handled responsibly.

Ludwig praised Laketran for its diligence, noting that such recognition is reserved for agencies that go beyond the minimum requirements. The award adds to Laketran's track record of sound management as it continues to plan for future service improvements and capital projects.