The Grand County Audit Committee convened on October 1, 2025, to discuss critical decisions regarding the county's external audit for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting, led by Commissioner Winfield, included discussions on the approval of previous meeting minutes and the selection of an external auditor for the 2025 county audit.

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the August 18 meeting, ensuring that all documentation is properly attached to the agenda for future reference. This procedural step reflects the committee's commitment to transparency and accountability.

A significant focus of the meeting was the selection of an external auditor. The committee reviewed bids and deliberated on whether to bundle the audits for various county entities, including health, recreation, and emergency services. There was uncertainty about whether a formal vote had been taken on this bundling decision, which could impact the overall cost of the audit. The lowest bid was noted to potentially increase the total audit cost by approximately $30,000 if all components were included.

Members expressed the need for clarity on how costs would be shared among the county and its component units, with discussions suggesting a possible 50% contribution from the county. However, the committee acknowledged that any final decision regarding the bundling of audits would likely require further approval from the full commission.

Additionally, the committee touched on best practices in auditing, highlighting the importance of rotating auditors every three years to maintain objectivity and thoroughness in the audit process.

As the committee moves forward, the decisions made in this meeting will play a crucial role in ensuring the county's financial practices remain robust and transparent, ultimately benefiting the community at large. The next steps will involve formalizing the recommendations and seeking approval from the broader commission to finalize the audit arrangements.