Katie Kocijanski is reporting in the Register-Star Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell announced to the full board Wed., Oct. 19, the county is now "free of fiscal stress," according to a recently released State Comptroller’s report. "Columbia County is enjoying its third year in a row with a modest surplus and no increase in county taxes. A number of major actions taken by the board over the last several years have kept the county finances stable," Murrell said. County Controller Ron Caponera said each year the county has made steady progress in relieving its fiscal stress. The county's annual audit showed it is in good financial shape thanks to structurally balanced budgets and better internal controls over costs. Read the full story in the Register-Star.