Radford council awards forensic audit contract to Brown Edwards, city says final report expected in August
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Summary
Radford City Council approved a negotiated contract with Brown Edwards to conduct a focused forensic audit covering utility billing, taxes and other financial processes; staff said a final report is expected in August or possibly September and the engagement will include recommendations if irregularities are found.
Radford City Council voted March 23 to award a forensic audit contract to Brown Edwards following a competitive‑negotiation procurement. Mayor Horton and city staff said the engagement will examine specified areas such as utility billing and tax processes and is intended to improve transparency and internal controls.
Todd Meredith, who described the RFP and negotiation process under the Virginia Public Procurement Act, told council the city used competitive negotiation — a process that ranks firms on qualifications and scope rather than price — and entered negotiations with Brown Edwards after ranking proposals. "We have the contract that is before the council this evening that we have negotiated with them," Meredith said.
John, a representative from Brown Edwards, told the council the engagement letter outlines focused forensic procedures and emphasized the difference between a forensic examination and a standard financial audit. "This is very focused...we will work with you and do the procedures that are listed there," he said, adding that the firm will communicate findings during the engagement and provide a final report listing observations and recommendations.
Council approved the award by roll call. City staff said some work will begin as soon as possible and that a final report is expected in August, with a caveat that it might be finished in September if necessary. Mayor Horton said the city will post the engagement letter and timeline and make the final report available to the public in accordance with applicable law.
The council framed the audit as part of an effort to increase accountability and rebuild fiscal stability; staff said Brown Edwards will recommend operational changes where appropriate and will raise any indications of possible fraud immediately so the city can consider expanding the scope if needed. The contract award follows a closed-session negotiation earlier in the evening and will be accompanied by a staff release describing the engagement and timeline.
