Huntsville Council OKs up to $15,000 for Town audit

Huntsville Town Council voted 4–0 to approve up to $15,000 to retain Child Richards CPAs & Advisors to audit the town's financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024. The motion to approve the audit engagement was made by Councilmember Artie Powell and seconded by Councilmember Lewis Johnson.

The engagement letter attached to the meeting packet described the scope — financial statements for governmental and business-type activities and major funds — and stated the auditor's report is expected no later than Dec. 31, 2024. The auditors estimated fees of "between $12,900 and $13,400," and noted invoices would be billed monthly as work progresses. Clerk Beckki Endicott said staff had reviewed the engagement and sought authorization to proceed. The council recorded a roll-call vote and the motion passed unanimously.

The engagement letter also outlines the firm's responsibilities (GAAS and Government Auditing Standards), management responsibilities (preparing financial statements and making records available), and planned procedures including internal-control review and limited procedures on required supplementary information. The letter names Ryan Child as engagement partner and sets an anticipated start date of approximately Aug. 14, 2024. Councilors did not amend the scope but directed staff to return if additional fees or unexpected circumstances arise.