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Kingsford Heights approves yearlong Baker Tilly accounting contract over two dissenting votes
Summary
The council voted 3-2 on Jan. 26 to renew Baker Tilly for 2026 at $2,100 per month (up to 95 hours) for accounting and budgeting services; some members sought more detail and asked for monthly invoices to track hours and categories.
Kingsford Heights —6 Jan. 26, 2026 —6 The Town Council voted 3-2 to renew a contract with accounting firm Baker Tilly for calendar year 2026 at a retainer of $2,100 per month for up to 95 hours of services.
Staff presented two contract options: hourly billing or a monthly retainer. The retainer covers services the town said would include budget preparation and workshops, ARPA filing assistance, gateway reporting and training to help the clerk enter state-required documents. Council members discussed the expense and oversight measures; one member asked for a separate, monthly Baker Tilly bill each month so the council could track hourly usage and spending against the 95-hour allocation.
After debate, a motion to renew Baker Tilly at $2,100 per month for 12 months was moved, seconded, recalled for clarity and then approved by a 3-2 vote. At the meeting the chair reiterated the council's request: "Don't forget to give us a copy monthly of the bill," asking staff that monthly itemization be provided.
Opponents said the retainer felt costly without fuller written detail present at the meeting; backers said the scope covers necessary accounting work and training that would reduce future outside help. The council asked staff to provide a monthly invoice from Baker Tilly and to track hours by category.
The contract renewal instructs staff to monitor hours billed and report back to the council on usage; no additional contract documents were introduced at the meeting beyond the term, fee and scope as discussed.
