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Council retains Martin Starnes & Associates for FY2022 audit at estimated $47,500
Summary
After an RFP process that yielded two proposals, the council approved contracting with Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. to perform the FY2022 municipal audit and Single Audit for an estimated $47,500; staff noted potential year‑two fee increases.
Newton City Council unanimously approved April 19 the selection of Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. to conduct the city’s Fiscal Year 2022 audit and related Single Audit work, in the staff‑recommended amount of $47,500.
Finance Director Vickie Thomas explained staff issued an RFP to seven firms and posted the solicitation publicly; two proposals were received: the incumbent, Martin Starnes, and Gould Killian CPA Group, P.A. Thomas summarized the proposals and noted that Martin Starnes proposed a fixed audit fee of $44,000 plus estimated Single Audit fees for a total of $47,500. Gould Killian proposed a lower fixed fee but estimated significantly fewer hours and a higher hourly rate for possible follow‑on adjustments; Thomas said that discrepancy raised concerns about potential fee increases in subsequent years.
Given the firms' experience with governmental audits and Single Audit work, staff recommended Martin Starnes based on hours proposed, hourly rate, and familiarity with governmental audit requirements. Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver moved to approve the selection; Council Member Jerry Hodge seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The contract covers the FY2022 audit and is structured for potential continuation subject to annual review and satisfactory fee negotiation.
