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Residents press board for forensic audit; supervisors approve RFP for fiscal‑25 audit and optional forensic review
Summary
After extended public comment calling for an independent forensic review of county finances, the Madison County Board of Supervisors approved an RFP that allows bidders to propose the fiscal‑25 annual audit, a forensic audit/financial reconstruction, or both.
Public pressure for an independent review of county finances culminated Tuesday when the Madison County Board of Supervisors approved an RFP that allows firms to bid on the fiscal‑year 2025 annual audit, a forensic audit/financial reconstruction, or both.
During the public‑comment period several residents urged the board to commission a forensic review after delays and deficiencies in the state audit process. Melissa Schneider of Winterset told the board the state audit “does nothing to address the issues,” and called for “an independent forensic audit from an outside entity with no political agenda” to identify and fix the county’s fiscal failings. Maxwell Guadalajara also urged the board to move forward with an RFP, saying extended delays and missing documentation had raised “significant concerns.” Isaac Preston and other speakers echoed calls for transparency and for a bidding process that would ensure independence from the State Auditor’s office.
Auditor Michelle Brandt presented the RFP package and explained the solicitation gives proposers the option to bid on (1) the fiscal‑25 annual audit, (2) a forensic audit/financial reconstruction, or (3) both services. The board voted to let the RFP proceed; the motion carried without a roll‑call vote recorded in the minutes.
The RFP includes links to prior audit documents for proposers to review; the board instructed staff to accept separate bids so a vendor could be selected for only the forensic work if appropriate. No vendor was selected at the meeting; next steps will follow the normal solicitation timeline and evaluation process outlined in the RFQ/RFP materials.
The board did not direct that any current county contracts be suspended; staff said award decisions will be made after proposals are received and evaluated.
What’s next: staff will publish the RFP and evaluate bids per the solicitation; any contract awards will return to the board for formal approval.
