Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Audit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Malden council approves one-year audit engagement with Van De Ven, asks staff to clarify renewal terms
Summary
The council accepted Van De Ven to perform the municipal audit for the coming year and instructed staff to return with clearer language about whether subsequent years are city-option renewals, mutual renewals, or multi-year commitments.
City Treasurer and Finance Officer Angela Earnheart reported the city’s September 2025 cash balances and long-term obligations and noted the municipal audit was put out to bid. Two firms submitted proposals: Thomas, Speight & Noble (Osceola, Ark.) and Van De Ven (Cape Girardeau, Mo.). After discussion, staff recommended retaining Van De Ven, the current auditor.
City Attorney Jonce Chidister asked for clearer contract language about the meaning of "3 One-year contracts" in the Van De Ven proposal: whether the arrangement is a single year with a city option to renew, a one-year contract with mutual renewal options, or a three-year commitment that can be terminated with notice. Chidister recommended accepting the proposal for year one while negotiating an addendum specifying renewal rights and remedies if an audit is delayed.
Council Member Beckett moved to accept Van De Ven for the first year and to return with clarification about remaining years; Council Member Dierks seconded. The motion passed 7–0.
Earnheart’s report in the meeting showed total cash and cash equivalents of $2,760,767.27 and long-term loan obligations of $1,719,020.03 for September 2025.
