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Council awards three-year auditing contract to Warren Averett LLC for up to $285,000
Summary
The Prattville City Council approved a three-year engagement with Warren Averett LLC for single-audit and financial-statement audit services at a total cost not to exceed $285,000; staff said three-year contracts are industry standard and provide continuity.
The Prattville City Council on Tuesday awarded bid number 025011 to Warren Averett LLC and authorized the mayor to sign a three-year engagement letter for single-audit and financial-statement audit services for fiscal years 2025, 2026 and 2027 at a combined cost not to exceed $285,000.
Why this matters: The contract secures the city's external auditors for three audit cycles, a decision staff said provides continuity and efficiency because audit firms require a substantial first-year effort to document the city's financial systems.
Contract details: The resolution authorizes payment not to exceed $90,000 for fiscal year 2025, $95,000 for fiscal year 2026, and $100,000 for fiscal year 2027. The procurement action referenced Section 41-16-501(3) of the Code of Alabama as the legal basis allowing selection of consultants without competitive bidding when the consultant possesses a high degree of professional skill.
Staff explanation: Finance Director Daniel Oakley explained to the council that three-year engagements are common in public accounting; he said the first year requires the most audit work and documentation and that continuity allows subsequent audits to be more efficient. Oakley also said the evaluation committee considered staff experience and qualifications of personnel assigned to the engagement in addition to price.
Council discussion and vote: Councilor Jackson asked why staff recommended a three-year contract rather than a one-year contract; Oakley and the mayor responded that continuity and industry practice supported the recommendation. The council then adopted the resolution by voice vote; no roll-call opposition was recorded.
Ending: The mayor was authorized to execute the engagement letter and the city will pay the contracted amounts from the finance/auditing budget line once services are rendered.
