Oxnard City Council approves five-year audit agreement worth over $1M with new firm

Oxnard's Finance and Governance Committee has taken significant steps to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in city operations. During their recent meeting on May 13, 2025, the committee unanimously approved a five-year agreement with Macias, Gini & O'Connell LLP for annual financial audits and single audits of federally funded programs, totaling $1,000,002.19. This decision aims to enhance the city's financial oversight and accountability.

The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of preparing for potential budget cuts, with members expressing concerns about the impact on various programs. City officials are already collaborating with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to mitigate costs and manage resources effectively. This proactive approach is intended to safeguard essential services for the community.

In addition to the audit agreement, committee members engaged in a thorough review of the proposal process, noting that six firms submitted bids after 45 unique views of the request for proposals (RFP). The committee emphasized the need for transparency in the bidding process, with members requesting more detailed comparisons of proposals in future discussions. However, city attorney Elle McCarron clarified that proposals remain confidential until awarded to protect the negotiation process.

Concerns were also raised regarding the previous auditor's billing practices, with committee members advocating for stricter oversight of reimbursable expenses. They stressed the necessity of requiring receipts for all charges to ensure accountability and prevent any questionable expenses from being passed on to the city.

The committee's decisions and discussions reflect a commitment to maintaining financial integrity and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly. As the city moves forward, these measures are expected to bolster public trust and enhance the effectiveness of city governance.