Madison County board approves RFP for independent auditors after debate over state audit delays

The Madison County Board of Supervisors voted to issue a request for proposals to hire an independent auditing firm to conduct the county’s fiscal audits for 2025–27, following a heated discussion about delays and costs associated with previous work by the State Auditor’s office.

Board members debated whether to continue with the State Auditor for continuity or to seek private firms. A supervisor noted the county has already spent roughly $100,000 on state audit work for fiscal years 2023–24 without receiving completed reports. After discussion about timing, cost and the potential need for forensic capability, the board approved the RFP and separately approved a motion to reopen FY25 records for reconciliation so corrections can be made.

During the discussion public speakers urged both patience with the State Auditor and action to bring new eyes to county financials. Public commenter Vicky Brenner noted the State Auditor’s peer-review rating and contrasted state vs. private costs, saying the state “charges $100 an hour,” and urged transparency as audits proceed.

The board did not adopt the separate resolution to keep the State Auditor for the FY25 annual audit (that motion died for lack of a second). Instead, supervisors agreed to solicit proposals for independent firms that could provide continuity and the option to perform deeper or forensic work if needed. The RFP process was described by the chair and the auditor as intended to solicit firms capable of auditing multiple years and delivering timely results.

Next steps: county staff will manage the RFP process and receive sealed bids; the board will review proposals and select a firm in public process. The board asked staff to ensure firms with forensic expertise could respond to the RFP if they have the capacity.