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SIMILAR ENGAGEMENTS WITH OTHER DOVE MENTAL ENTITIES - CONTINUED What our clients say about us - continued Since mid-December 2008, when the New Hope finance manager position was vacated, the firm of Abdo, Eick & Meyers (AEM) has assisted the City Council, city manager, department heads and other staff with the financial functions of the City. AEM helped prepare information to get both the 2007 and 2008 audits completed and are in the process of preparing financial information for the 2009 audit (audits are completed by MMKR). Our representatives from AEM have provided history and details on a variety of city funds, helping to educate both the City Council and staff. AEM has provided recommendations on investment decisions and completed an updated investment policy for the City. Besides preparing the routine monthly department budget reports, AEM also has prepared quarterly budget and investment reports which are provided to the City Council to keep them apprised of the City's financial position. In 2009, AEM assisted with the implementation of a totally revised budget format to make the document more clear to the City Council and public, including the addition of performance measures and goals. AEM has worked closely with the finance department staff and city department heads, has studied and streamlined many of the functions in the finance area so operations are more efficient, and has assisted with the implementation of new methods to address areas noted for improvement in the annual audits. Our experience working with AEM staff, Steve McDonald and Kristi Brutlag, has been very positive. They have consistently maintained a calm, professional, and positive attitude. They understand our staff and work within our existing resources. The communication and responsiveness of Steve and Kristi has been excellent. 1 realize that they have many other clients to deal with, but are usually very prompt on responding to requests for information. I also know that I can discuss any issues with them directly and honestly. The only other comments l would offer is that the AEM staff we have worked with have helped to expand the City Council's and staff's understanding of the financial workings of the City, they have made some good recommendations on budget issues, they have helped simplify some complex issues and, as an outside consultant, have offered a fresh look at how the City operates financially. City of New Hope - Kirk McDonald, City Manager Inver Grove Heights switched to Abdo, Eick & Meyers for our auditing services in 2014 and we have been very pleased with the results for several reasons. First of all, we have found them to be well planned which made the audit process run smoothly. Secondly, the audit staff were experienced to governmental accounting and asked knowledgeable questions. Third, we were pleased with the amount of fieldwork completed on site with limited follow up required. Finally, we were happy to get new ideas for improvements to audit work papers and preparation. Abdo, Eick & Meyers has exceeded our expectations and provided value to the audit process. City of Inver Grove Heights - Kristi Smith, Finance Director Abdo not only provides the services needed to assure compliance with the required reporting requirements but also have assisted in explaining the audit to me. I can then use the audit as a teaching tool for the City Council so they can understand the financial affairs of the City. The staff at Abdo is always very courteous and helpful. They take the time to explain the accounting principles and to answer questions the City has about entries into our fund accounting. They are always very prompt with a response and offer any suggestions to questions. Whenever I have had to contact Abdo / find the staff to be very helpful in answering my questions. They help me to gain further knowledge about the accounting and finances of the City which helps me to be a better Administrator. City of Mayer - Luayn Murphy, City Administrator I enjoyed working with your group at AEM. The thoroughness, knowledge, and most importantly personality that your audit team brought to St. Anthony is something I have not seen from other firms. / particular/y appreciate AEM's approach to the audit in St. Anthony. Having 3 experienced auditors on site and the partner heavily involved helped move things along and work through each section quickly St. Anthony New Brighton Schools, ISD #282 - Bill Menozzi, Director of Business Services Peo 'es k.Tom. -17-