Council asks procurement to seek proposals for deeper finance review; audit committee to weigh in

Councilmember Bruce Guyton asked Nov. 17 that the city obtain price proposals for a forensic‑style audit or deeper independent review of the finance department’s records. Guyton said the request was intended to secure a more thorough accounting for residents, not necessarily to allege criminal activity.

Guyton asked staff to work with procurement to request proposals and to report costs and scope at a future meeting. Council discussed the difference between routine external financial audits and forensic engagements — noting forensic work typically digs deeper and can be used in legal proceedings if evidence of wrongdoing is found — and confirmed the city is also hiring an internal auditor.

Council agreed procurement should prepare an RFP for the council to consider (including options for investigating the finance department and, optionally, selected projects), and that the audit committee should review the proposed scope and pricing before the item returns to the full council. Councilmembers said they wanted clear scope options (single‑department vs. project‑specific scopes) and price estimates before committing to an engagement.

Why it matters: Riviera Beach is undertaking multiple large development projects and bond financings; council members sought an independent, deeper review to ensure fiscal stewardship and to provide transparency to residents. The request will produce competing vendor proposals and cost estimates for council and the audit committee to review.

Provenance: Request introduced during item 12 discussion and follow‑up (discussion begins SEG 4080; procurement and audit committee direction SEG 4264–4280).