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Finance committee orders RFPs after questioning Baker Tilly audit costs
Summary
The City of Mayville finance committee voted to solicit proposals for its statutory financial audit after members raised concerns about the price and a five‑year contract with no fixed fees.
The Finance Committee voted March 24 to solicit requests for proposals for the city's 2025 audit after members questioned the price charged by audit firm Baker Tilly and the terms of an existing multi‑year engagement.
Committee members and staff said they had expected audit costs to fall after recent internal changes but found an engagement letter for 2025 with a proposed price of $94,250 and separate utility audit fees that kept total costs high. A staff presenter told the committee that the city's Form C must be filed by May 15 and noted previous years' audit costs ranged from about $97,608 to more than $138,000.
"I was almost shocked at the cost," one committee member said during discussion, noting a five‑year contract appeared to have been signed previously without prices included.
After discussion the committee approved a motion to issue an RFP for audit services, with a 6–8 week proposals window. Alderperson Newman, Alderperson Olson and Alderperson Smith recorded affirmative votes and the motion carried.
Why it matters: the statutory audit and the partners selected determine annual financial oversight and the city's ability to meet state filing deadlines. Committee members said they want competitive bids and clearer contract terms before committing to large audit fees.
What happens next: staff will draft RFP specifications and return with a timeline; the committee asked that the RFP be issued with a 6–8 week return window so the city can compare firms and fees before final award.
