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Commission approves forensic and compliance audit; directs scope and RFP workshop
Summary
The Deltona City Commission approved a motion directing staff to pursue a forensic and compliance audit with broad access to city records, and instructed staff to convene a workshop to draft audit scope and an RFP for vendor selection.
The Deltona City Commission voted 6-1 Monday to pursue a forensic and compliance audit and to begin the process of scoping and procuring the work, following public comment and auditor advice about likely costs and scope.
Commissioner Howington moved to authorize a forensic and compliance audit, asking that the auditors report directly to the commission and have unfettered access to city records; the motion passed after discussion with a 6‑1 vote. Commissioners directed staff to return with a detailed scope and an RFP process; the city attorney advised that the commission must provide specific direction on scope and that several procedural steps (workshop, 30‑day bid posting, evaluation) will be required.
Auditors from Pervis Gray told the commission that the cost of a targeted forensic engagement typically begins around $100,000 for a narrow scope and can escalate based on the breadth of work and number of funds or programs reviewed. Audit partner Tim Westgate advised an alternative: consider hiring an internal auditor position reporting to the commission as a recurring, lower‑cost option for ongoing oversight.
Commissioners discussed whether a state office (the legislature’s audit team or inspector general) might conduct the work more cheaply; the city attorney said state offices can perform audits but would likely bill for the work and may not respond on the commission’s timetable.
City staff told the commission that preparing a suitable RFP will take time and that the actual procurement timeline — including a 30‑day advertisement, evaluation, interviews and contracting — could take several months. The city manager estimated a thorough external audit/forensic work could take up to five months after the scope and procurement steps are complete.
Commissioners asked for a tiered, step‑by‑step approach. The commission approved language directing staff to produce a scope and RFP framework in a workshop to be scheduled in coming weeks and to target procurement and contract execution so field work could begin within a defined period.
Public commenters urged the audit as a means to review prior questionable transactions, water billing and development‑related expenditures; others warned of high cost and asked the commission to carefully define the scope and budget. The commission’s motion did not itself appropriate funds — a subsequent procurement and contract award would return to the commission for approval.
