Trustees authorize interviews with two audit firms after tense debate over scope and cost

The Grosse Ile Township Board voted on Nov. 10 to authorize interviews with two consulting firms — Plant Moran and The Raymond Group — to explore an entrance audit. The motion approved interviews only, not hiring, and trustees emphasized interview questions would define scope and cost before any engagement.

Trustee William and several colleagues argued interviews are a prudent step to determine what an entrance audit would cover. William said the interviews would clarify what the firms would do and whether a longer engagement was warranted. “Just the interviews at this point,” Supervisor Joe said, repeatedly clarifying the board was only voting to interview the firms.

Opponents, including Trustee Mickey, questioned the need and cost. Mickey called the proposal “fiscally irresponsible” and warned it could be a “witch hunt” if improperly framed. Trustee Jamieson said he had mixed feelings but supported interviews to learn whether an audit could identify procedure weaknesses; Trustee Kevin compared the idea to federal entrance audits used to protect incoming officials.

The board conducted a roll-call vote on authorizing interviews for both firms; the motion carried with a single Nay from Trustee Mickey. The board directed staff to contact both firms to schedule interviews and return with clarifying responses for later decisions about scope, years reviewed and potential cost.

Next steps: clerk/manager will arrange interviews, board will prepare focused questions in advance, and any decision to engage a consultant will return as a future action item with clarified costs.