North Syracuse trustees approve RFP for outside audit after heated debate

Trustee Fred Wilmer moved for an audit of village financials covering the 2023–24 period, citing changes in personnel handling the village’s finances and the need for reassurance during the transition. Wilmer said the intent was to verify records “now” while control is changing hands.

The motion triggered extended debate. Some trustees questioned timing — noting the village undergoes annual independent accounting reviews — and warned a full financial audit could be markedly more expensive than the $18,000 annual review currently budgeted. Trustees and the mayor discussed options including reaching out to the state comptroller’s office; one trustee said the controller’s office had recommended an audit when a clerk/treasurer changes.

Wilmer then moved to issue an RFP (request for proposals) to solicit bids from outside firms to perform the audit, and to fund the work from the village fund balance. Trustee John Bolton and others clarified that the RFP would establish the scope and reveal actual costs, which trustees estimated might range widely. After discussion the board approved by voice vote issuing the RFP and using fund balance to pay for the audit if the board proceeds after bids are received.

Trustees asked that the RFP seek firms not primarily used by the village to ensure independent review, and asked staff to return with cost estimates and a recommended selection process once proposals are received.

What happens next: staff will prepare and release an RFP to solicit proposals for the audit of the 2023–24 fiscal period; the RFP will define scope and estimated cost will be reported back to trustees for final authorization.