Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Audits Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners agree to let current audit firm finish 2024–25 engagement; plan RFP later after '25
Summary
After discovering a contract-signature issue, commissioners directed staff to honor the current engagement so James Moore can complete the 2024–25 audit work already in progress, and to reissue an RFP for future audit years. Commissioners also requested a follow‑up strategy session on contract and procurement controls.
Baker County commissioners discussed the 2023–24 audit and an accompanying RFP for future audit services at the July 15 meeting. County staff reported that a signed engagement letter for audit work was executed by the Clerk of Court rather than the Board of County Commissioners; the auditors (James Moore & Co.) were already working on the fiscal‑year 2024 audit when the discrepancy was noticed.
Commissioners and county legal counsel debated whether to require a new RFP immediately or allow the existing firm to finish fiscal‑year work already underway. The board agreed by consensus to let the currently engaged firm complete the audit for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 (the existing engagement), and to issue a new RFP for subsequent audit years so the county can solicit competitive proposals. Commissioners emphasized the need to strengthen contract management and clarified that future contract awards should be processed with the board’s formal engagement letter and proper signature authority.
County legal counsel said the clerk’s office has filed a lawsuit related to other matters and that he expects to request mediation; commissioners asked counsel to keep the board informed and to schedule a closed‑door discussion if necessary. Staff also said audits are proceeding and that most constitutional officers are near completion of their portions; auditors have signaled a target for completing work on the county’s financials in mid‑August.
Commissioners said they will hold staff and vendors accountable for contract execution and timing going forward and asked staff to prepare a standard procurement/contract checklist and clearer oversight points for future engagements.
