City selects Sikich CPA for FY2026–2029 audits after RFP; cost and rotation questions raised
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Summary
After an RFP the council authorized a multi-year auditing services agreement with Sikich CPA, LLC for city and TRICOM audits; staff cited references and local presence as reasons the lowest bidder was not chosen. Council discussed auditor rotation and fee escalations; the contract was approved.
City staff recommended that the council authorize an auditing services agreement with Sikich CPA, LLC for fiscal years 2026 through 2029, covering both the city and TRICOM, after completing a request-for-proposal process.
"We received three eligible proposals...the lowest bid was from an out-of-state firm without Illinois staff or experience; after reference checks we opted to bring forward Sikich, which was the second-lowest bid," a staff presenter said. Staff noted the price difference was under $5,000 for the initial year.
Council members asked about auditor-rotation practices and the contract’s multi-year fee escalation. Staff said Sikich’s first-year rate remained the same as 2025 and would increase in subsequent years to roughly $71,000 by 2029, which includes TRICOM's portion (about $10,000). One member requested that Sikich assign different partners or senior staff to provide a fresh perspective during the engagement.
After discussion the council approved staff’s recommendation to contract with Sikich; the motion passed on the recorded roll call.
