Council debate stalls on removing CPA requirement for city auditor; citizen comment allowed

Colorado Springs officials discussed an ordinance to remove the certified public accountant requirement for the city auditor at the City Council meeting on Aug. 12, 2025, after city human resources staff recommended the CPA be downgraded from a required to a preferred qualification. The council did not adopt the ordinance that day; it failed to secure a second on a motion to table and later voted 8–1 to allow public comment on the item.

Why it matters: The city auditor oversees audits that inform the public about how city departments use taxpayer funds. Council members and outside auditors said the change could affect perceived independence and technical capacity for financial and performance audits, while HR staff said the internal-audit function is governed by Institute for Internal Auditors (IIA) standards rather than GAAS and that market comparators commonly list certifications as preferred, not required.

Human resources presentation and staff research

Myra Romero, chief human resources and risk officer, told the council that the city originally appointed Natalie Lovell as city auditor on March 11, 2025, with an express condition that she attain Colorado CPA certification within two years of appointment. Romero said HR’s further study found “neither the duties of the City Auditor nor industry standard require a CPA.” Romero described the IIA global internal audit…