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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />DECII~'IBER 20, 1995 <br />can do a lot for the City. Carson reported that he has <br />audited the Cities of Fargo and Sioux Falls, which are <br />both substantially larger than Little Canada, and much <br />more complicated audits. <br />The City Administrator pointed out that each of these <br />cities has more staff in-house. <br />Carson pointed out the expertise that Olsen Theilen <br />has. Carson noted that Olsen Theilen is the second <br />largest firm in the State. Olsen Theilen is located in <br />Little Canada, and the firm and its employees spend <br />money in the City and support local businesses. <br />Fahey noted that the City does not see its independence <br />compromised by continuing to use Tautges Redpath, and <br />noted that Olsen Theilen does not have the same level <br />of municipal expertise a Tautges. Fahey further stated <br />that the City hired the City Administrator to run to <br />City, and he was not going to second-guess the <br />Administrator's recommendation when it relates to <br />professional staff especially given that the price is <br />competitive and Tautges' expertise level is more <br />comprehensive. <br />Carson stated that he thinks the City Administrator <br />does a fine job. Carson further reported that since <br />1990 he approached the Administrator on the issue of <br />the audit. Since the City now has an Accountant in <br />place and a better handle things, Carson felt it was <br />time to consider another accounting firm. Carson <br />suggested that his letter forced some action in this <br />area. <br />The City Administrator replied he has discussed the <br />accounting situation with Carson. However, it was his <br />idea to request proposals for accounting services at <br />this point. The Administrator pointed out effort over <br />the past few years to reduce accounting cost as well as <br />other consulting costs. Since the Accountant has been <br />hired, significant accounting tasks have been taken <br />over in-house. <br />Carson felt that Olsen Theilen can provide the City <br />with an independent review at a reduced cost which they <br />would view as a donation to the City. Carson stated <br />that as far as Tautges' fee, which is in the $15,000 to <br />$18,000 range, that fee is not out of the ballpark for <br />an audit. <br />Fahey commented that Carson was just being a good <br />citizen in offering a better deal to the City. <br />16 <br />