Councilors spent an extended period reviewing proposals for auditing services and debating whether to stick with long-time auditor Baker Tilly or move to a new firm.

Alderman Schrader and others raised concerns about Baker Tilly’s handling of prior matters related to the Hillandale project and said requested correspondence and follow-up had not satisfied their questions. The mayor and staff defended Baker Tilly as a reputable national firm and warned switching auditors imposes transition costs because a new firm must gather historical data.

The initial roll-call vote on choosing Baker Tilly failed (recorded in the meeting as three in favor and four opposed). Alderman Schrader then moved to pursue Hawkins Ash; council members discussed timing, contract terms and the need for the attorney and finance director to review any new contract. The motion to proceed with Hawkins Ash’s proposal passed after roll-call; the council directed city staff to have the selected firm’s contract reviewed by the city attorney and finance director and to proceed with scheduling preliminary audit work.