Odessa officials say 2024 audit near completion as consultants step in to meet March 31 deadline

The City of Odessa’s finance team and outside auditors told the City Council on Dec. 9 that the 2024 financial audit remains in progress but that outside consultants have been retained to help close the books and meet statutory deadlines.

City finance staff member Kayla introduced auditors from Weaver and Cherry Beckert, who said the 2024 audit has experienced intermittent pauses while the city closed its accounting records. Greg Weaver said he anticipates issuing the 2024 audit in the December–January timeframe if the city completes outstanding closing tasks, and reminded the council that the hard deadline for the 2025 audit is March 31, 2025.

Council members pressed staff repeatedly for a firm completion plan rather than a goal. Mayor emphasized that meeting the March 31 deadline is “a must,” not aspirational, citing a recent Texas attorney general press statement about statewide municipal investigations. Auditors and staff acknowledged the urgency and said Cherry Beckert will provide both hands‑on audit work and advisory support for 2025.

Kayla described operational gaps that contributed to the delay: bank reconciliations that were not current, grants that were not reconciled monthly or quarterly, and fixed assets tracked only in spreadsheets without reconciled accounts. She said those gaps made audit preparation harder and increased the time needed to finalize reports.

Consultant Mike Brotherton of Cherry Beckert said his firm specializes in governmental accounting and will work concurrently on 2024 audit closure and on preparatory work for 2025 to limit future interruptions. He and city staff said Cherry Beckert can develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), train staff, and provide temporary personnel to do reconciliations while the city fills permanent positions.

Council members asked whether the city is using its Munis financial system effectively. City staff acknowledged the system is not fully utilized and said improved monthly closings, better use of Munis, and documented job aids are part of the corrective plan. Staff estimated the finance office is about five positions short and said hiring and the consultant work are both priorities.

The council asked staff to report needs and to request whatever resources are necessary, including weekly updates if required. No formal action was taken at this workshop beyond the direction to continue with consultant support and to proceed toward meeting the statutory deadline.

What’s next: staff will continue the closing process with Cherry Beckert, pursue targeted hiring, produce SOPs and job aids, and report progress to council. The auditors said they will aim to issue the 2024 audit as soon as balances are auditable so the city can begin the 2025 audit work.