DeKalb commissioners ask for independent capital‑program monitor, defer hiring decision to May 13

DeKalb County commissioners on April 3 discussed creating an independent monitoring and auditing function to oversee the county’s Watershed capital improvement program and deferred action on establishing the position to the May 13 committee meeting.

The county presented a draft resolution to establish and fund an independent CIP auditor to monitor implementation of the capital improvement program and proposed amending the 2025 budget to pay for the position. Commissioners heard a volunteer briefing from retired county official Ted Reinhart and discussed procurement, scope and how the role would coordinate with the county’s internal auditors and the Watershed CIP Advisory Group.

Reinhart, who described 14 years of county service in public works, water and sewer, transportation and solid waste, urged commissioners to “build from what you already have” and to target monitoring at higher‑risk projects such as treatment plants and major trunk sewers rather than routine work. He recommended a mix of financial, engineering, technical and project‑management expertise and said the role should “supplement the rest of your team” by reviewing documentation and focusing limited funds on the riskiest projects.

Commissioners discussed title and scope. Commissioner Shakyra Johnson cautioned that the single word “auditor” could suggest a purely financial role and recommended wording such as “independent monitoring and auditing” or “program and performance monitoring” to attract firms with needed technical skills. Multiple speakers emphasized the need for independence from existing engineering contractors and noted the county should avoid duplication with the internal auditor or existing consultants.

Staff said procurement would follow DeKalb purchasing rules and likely use an RFQ/RFP. County staff (procurement/OMB) described a process in which commissioners and central staff refine roles and responsibilities into a scope of work, the solicitation is issued, and a selection committee is formed. Staff warned that participation by multiple commissioners on a formal selection committee could raise quorum issues, so the county will explore a combination of staff, advisory representatives and possibly one commissioner’s designee.

Commissioners asked that the Office of the Independent Internal Auditor review the draft scope; Director Campbell was invited to the committee’s April 22 meeting to offer input. Committee members directed staff to solicit feedback from all commissioners on the draft monitoring scope, incorporate internal auditor comments and return to the Finance, Audit and Budget Committee before May 13. The committee voted to defer further action on the resolution to the May 13 meeting.

Next steps included finalizing a written scope of services, confirming the funding source (staff said the 10‑by‑10 rate plan had been the presumed funding source), drafting procurement documents, and determining the selection committee composition. Commissioners indicated they want a competitive solicitation and an evaluation process that screens for conflicts of interest with large engineering firms already working for the county.

The committee’s discussion focused on defining monitoring responsibilities clearly, limiting duplication with existing audit work, and ensuring the hired firm’s independence and mix of technical and financial expertise. The committee did not adopt a final scope or contract at the meeting; members directed staff to return with a procurement-ready scope and recommended language for a resolution.