The City of El Campo on Monday approved Resolution R2025-42 awarding five years of professional audit services to Singleton Clark and Company, PC, and authorized the city manager to execute a professional services agreement.

Council members and staff said the contract award reflected reviewers’ evaluation of proposals and a concern about timely audit delivery. City staff told council members that failing to complete the annual audit by March 31 in a future year could force the city to adopt a no-new-revenue tax rate, making timeliness a selection factor.

Staff said six proposals were received and that a review panel of staff — identified in the meeting as Carolyn Gibson, Brittany (Britney) Nanson, Tory Meachon, Renee Garcia and one additional reviewer — scored firms against the request-for-proposal matrix. The RFP evaluated qualifications of staff, audit approach and methodology, references and cost, and staff said the panel prioritized firms with municipal audit experience.

One council member asked about the scoring and asked staff to attach the evaluation form to future agenda materials; staff acknowledged the form was not included in the packet but described the matrix and weightings used in scoring. Staff also reported contacting a reference, the City of Berger, and said the reference check was positive.

Action: a councilmember moved to support Resolution R2025-42 and authorize the city manager to execute the agreement; another councilmember seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: city officials said contracting with a firm experienced in municipal audits increases the likelihood the city will receive a timely audit and avoid administrative consequences tied to late audit filings. Staff noted Singleton Clark was not the lowest bidder but was selected for experience and schedule reliability.

Next steps: the city manager will execute the five-year professional-services agreement with Singleton Clark and Company, and staff will return if additional contract details require council approval.