Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Audit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Selectmen hire independent auditor Stephen Hopkins, approve in-person audit approach
Summary
After reviewing proposals and availability concerns, the board voted four to one to hire auditor Stephen Hopkins (proposal: $15,000 annual flat and hourly fees) and to proceed with an in-house, on-site audit process beginning in July as scheduled in the proposal.
The Selectmen considered proposals for a new auditing contract and voted to hire an independent auditor who proposed an in-house audit model.
Board members noted a statewide shortage of auditors and said a contractor who commits to on-site work can complete town audits faster. The selected contractor, Stephen Hopkins, proposed a $15,000 annual agreement with additional hourly charges (reported as $125/hr for extra work) and said he would perform the audit in town rather than remotely. One member noted the contractor had reviewed prior RHR Smith statements and requested access to 2024 statements in advance.
The board moved, seconded and voted 4–1 to approve engaging the auditor; the motion passed. Members instructed staff to coordinate scheduling with the auditor and to prepare the town’s records so the work can begin as proposed.
Next steps: staff to provide requested statements and coordinate in-person audit timing with the contractor.
