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Boone County approves Baker Tilly scope to advise on volunteer fire needs and new LIT task force
Summary
The council approved an engagement scope with consultant Baker Tilly to assist volunteer fire departments and to provide education and facilitation for a legislatively mandated local income tax (LIT) 'must' task force; the work is time-and-materials through Dec. 31, 2026.
Boone County council voted to approve a scope appendix with Baker Tilly to provide two related services: help evaluate volunteer fire department needs and to support formation, education and facilitation of a legislatively required local income tax (LIT) 'must' task force.
Staff described the work as time-and-materials and deadline-driven, saying the engagement would run through Dec. 31, 2026. Sherry (staff) told the council the consultant would walk the county through procedural steps, host an educational workshop, and assist with implementation as needed. "I would hope that the council could approve this engagement letter that um has both uh services outlined," Sherry said.
Council members asked whether the task force must reach unanimous decisions; staff said the legislation specifies membership (including one council member and the clerk-treasurer of each municipality) and that Baker Tilly’s engagement letter notes the firm cannot guarantee a unanimous outcome. A staff speaker said if the county chooses not to create the task force, the state could impose countywide rates, while forming a task force could allow jurisdictions to seek a countywide rate agreed by local taxing units.
Staff also explained how other counties are handling cost-sharing: the county would front consultant charges with reimbursement expected from other taxing units such as towns, if they agree to buy into the process.
A motion to approve the scope appendix and authorize staff to finalize the engagement was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The council later approved the related Baker Tilly services agreement as old business.
