Washington County supervisors voted to approve a waiver of the county procurement policy to engage Bonadio (a Buffalo-based accounting and consulting firm) to perform a targeted review of county social services programs and fiscal operations. The county will start with two areas — the 4e foster-care unit and fiscal units — at an initial cost of $15,000 for those two areas, with subsequent areas priced at lower per-unit rates in the firm’s proposal, supervisors said.

The presenter said Bonadio’s services include onsite review, staff training, and assistance identifying available federal reimbursements. "They start with the 4e and then the fiscal unit," the presenter said, noting Bonadio has worked with other counties on Medicaid recoveries and program reclaim opportunities. Supervisors discussed that Bonadio’s work has, in other counties, identified revenue recoveries that can offset consulting costs.

Finance and administration questions focused on where the $30,000 (presenters described the proposal as $15,000 for the first two areas and $14,000 for subsequent units) would come from. The presenter said there was not an identified budget line currently and suggested fund balance or county contingency as possible sources; she also said that any local share could be folded into the department’s 2026 budget if supervisors approve.

Supervisors said the proposed engagement was intended as a "fresh eyes" review to find efficiencies, improve processes and address recurring audit findings; one supervisor noted the county has an ongoing audit finding requiring a risk assessment plan and said the consultant might help resolve that finding.

The committee approved the procurement waiver and moved the funding request to the finance committee for consideration.