The Lawrence City Safety Board on May 22 approved a professional services agreement with Thomas and Reed LLC to perform internal-audit services for the controller’s office.

A controller’s office representative explained the internal-auditor position was added to the salary ordinance after a common-council recommendation but the city has been unable to recruit for the role through 2024 and 2025. The administration and the mayor therefore determined contracting for annual audit services is more feasible and less costly than hiring a full-time employee.

"Typically, our finances, auditing of finances take about a month," the controller’s office presenter said, and contracting the work would cost a fraction of bringing on a new full-time employee. Board member Lawrence moved approval of the professional services agreement; board member Lawrence seconded and the motion carried.

The contract authorizes Thomas and Reed to perform annual audit work; staff said the agreement will help ensure the city is compliant before state audits.