Mona seeks outside CPA after finance director resignation; RFQ issued with Aug. 5 deadline

Mayor Troy Painter said the City's Finance Director, Linda Steele, submitted her resignation this week and the Mona City Council voted July 22 to seek outside municipal accounting services.

"The Council is now seeking qualifications from accounting firms experienced in municipal accounting practices to cover the Finance Director position," Mayor Troy Painter said. Councilmember Alesha Newton told the Council the contracted role would include billing, reconciliations and attendance at City Council meetings as needed.

Councilmember Newton estimated the contracted accounting service would cost about $3,000 to $4,000 per month if the City also hired a part-time accounts payable and payroll clerk; she said the main advantage would be the CPA-level expertise. Jennifer Donaldson added that "the CPA position could be quoted in itemized sections," allowing the City flexibility in choosing services.

The City distributed a written Request for Qualifications for Professional Accounting Services that spells out minimum requirements: the firm must be licensed in Utah, have at least five years' municipal experience, agree to a non-exclusivity clause and comply with applicable state and federal funding rules. The RFQ lists services including general ledger maintenance, month- and year-end close work, audit support, payroll and grant reporting. The RFQ sets proposals due by 5:00 p.m. on August 5, 2026, with proposals to be opened and reviewed in a City Council working session on August 11, 2026.

Councilmember Kris Kay moved for the request for accounting services and Councilmember Devan Ingram seconded; the motion passed on a roll call vote (Ingram, Kay, Newton, Openshaw and Squire recorded as "Aye"). The Council did not select a firm at the emergency meeting and scheduled further review in the August sessions.