Finance committee unanimously recommends Scanlon Associates as auditor for FY2027–29

The Northampton Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the full City Council consider Scanlon Associates for the city audit contract covering fiscal years 2027–2029.

Council members discussed the firm’s staffing practices, the scope of external audits, and relative cost while preparing the recommendation. Mayor Lori made the motion to recommend Scanlon Associates and Councilor Davis seconded it. The committee then conducted a roll-call vote, with Councilor Klemmer, Councilor Robbins, Councilor Davis and Councilor Mayorie all recording "yes." The item will be placed on the City Council agenda for July 15 for final action.

Committee members said cost and continuity factored in their decision. One council member described Scanlon’s price as “$150,000 less than the other company,” and several members said continuity would be helpful as the school committee prepares for staffing changes in its finance office.

Director Nardi told the committee that Tom Scanlon will remain the firm’s primary contact on Northampton’s audits while different staff members may serve as the lead who compiles the work in any single year. “Tom will always be the primary,” she said, adding that who comes into the office as the lead can vary from year to year.

Members pressed for clarity about the auditor’s role. Councilor Robbins said the committee does not yet have a formal selection process and asked whether the person who would work directly with Northampton’s books was known. Director Nardi and others said that staffing assignments sometimes are not final so far in advance but that the finance committee can request specifics before the contract is finalized.

The committee framed the decision as a recommendation rather than a contract award: the recommendation will go before the full City Council on July 15 for the final vote.

The committee adjourned after scheduling the recommendation for the council agenda.