Pittsburg hires Allen, Gibbs & Hulick to provide interim finance support, training for staff and system implementation

The Pittsburg City Commission voted Feb. 25 to waive the formal bid process and enter into a professional services agreement with Allen, Gibbs & Hulick (AGH) to provide accounting and finance director support on an hourly basis.

City Manager and staff explained the hire is intended to stabilize the finance function after multiple turnovers in recent years and to provide expertise while the city implements a new financial management system. Margie Gere of AGH, who will be assigned to the city, told the commission she has 25 years of experience including 10 years as a municipal finance director and that AGHs practice focuses exclusively on government auditing and consulting.

Gere said the firm will work with existing accounting staff to build fund-accounting skills and to support year-end close, audit preparation and the transition to a new financial management system. City staff estimated the level of effort at roughly 10 hours per week and said the engagement would continue through the end of the year, with work on system implementation extending into the following 12-18 months. Staff described the expected cost as comparable to the market for a finance director and within the budgeted amount.

Commissioners approved the motion to hire AGH by voice vote.