Commissioners approve Baker Tilly contracts after heated debate over cost and budget responsibility

Scott County commissioners voted to approve three Baker Tilly agreements — a budget engagement, a letter of engagement and associated task work — after a prolonged discussion about cost, vendor selection and which government budget line should pay.

Several commissioners criticized the apparent hourly rates for some Baker Tilly personnel. One commissioner contrasted local vendors with Baker Tilly’s rates, saying the council’s chosen vendor had a “top paid person” charging what was described in the meeting as hundreds of dollars an hour while smaller firms charge far less. A county official advising the board urged the commissioners to move promptly because the council and auditor rely on advisory work during a compressed budget timeline.

Legal counsel for the meeting told the board that commissioners may approve or deny the contracts; if denied, the county council may still execute or reissue the agreements under statutory authority. The board ultimately moved to approve the contracts and separately passed a recommendation that the county council fund the work from the council’s budget rather than the commissioners’ budget line.

The motions passed by voice vote. Commissioners noted they will revisit the arrangement at the end of the year and requested further review of contract line items and billing rates.