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Fillmore council unanimously approves three-year audit contract with CliftonLarsonAllen
Summary
The council approved a three-year audit services contract (with a two-year option) with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP and allocated $31,656.25 across water, sewer and general funds to cover the expense; the motion passed unanimously after staff cited experience and continuity benefits despite a higher bid.
Finance Director Deborah Cavallero told the council that staff recommends awarding a three-year audit contract with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), with an option to extend two years, following an RFP that began in October 2025. Cavallero said four firms submitted proposals, the evaluation considered cost, experience and technical capacity, and the selected CLA team would comply with state rotation rules because the proposed engagement team has not worked for the city for six consecutive years.
Council members asked why CLA was recommended despite not being the lowest bidder. Cavallero said the firm’s proposed team had the relevant experience, remote-technology capabilities and positive reference checks, and that the marginal cost difference was outweighed by reduced time and onboarding required to work with the firm’s technology and approaches.
A council member moved to (1) allocate additional appropriations of $6,050 from the water fund operating reserves (account 302-4847-0021-211), $12,600 from the sewer fund operating reserves (account 301-4838-0021-211), and $13,006.25 from the general fund operating reserves (account 10142084847-0021-211) to the FY 2025–26 adjusted budget; (2) approve the three-year contract with an option for two additional years with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP for audit and financial statement preparation; and (3) authorize the city manager to execute the contract in a form approved by the city attorney’s office. Council seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The contract approval is intended to support an independent annual audit of the city’s financial position, internal controls and compliance with applicable laws. Cavallero said a new engagement team will perform the audit and that the selection complies with California rotation rules for audit partners.
