CC PACKET 08271991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMORANDUM DATE: August 21, 1991 TO: Thomas D. Burt, City Manager FROM: Roger Larson, Finance Director ITEM: 1991 AUDIT/AUDITOR Late August through October is the time when auditors of local government's are setting work schedules for auditing 1991 financial information. Also, this is the time when many Cities request these certified government auditors for bids or request for proposals to determine auditing costs for the upcoming year. In reviewing the performance of our current auditor (Stuart J. Bonniwell) I am very pleased to report to the City Council that he has done an admirable job in auditing St. Anthony's general operating, liquor and H.R.A. financial information. Mr. Bonniwell's auditing procedures and testing methods fully comply with generally accepted accounting methods/principles. Also, he is well respected by the Finance Department based on his ability to complete the audit in a most efficient manner. The 1990 audit took approximately 200 hours to complete which is less 40 hours less than I expected. I feel a major factor in less than expected billable hours is that Mr. Bonniwell is well experienced with the techniques and record keeping procedures used by the City Staff. In the near future, I feel it important for the City of St. Anthony to initiate the competitive bidding process to insure the Community is getting the best possible service for the dollars being spent. I support the concept of shopping keeps the price competitive, however, I just as much support efficiency saves dollars. With that thought in mind I feel it important to designate Stuart J. Bonniwell to perform the 1991 audit. I have a concern the recent computer conversion (in-house processing) could produce an increase in billable hours if a new auditor was selected at this time. In 1991, six months of the City's accounting records were processed through PPI and the last six months are being processed in-house. Being this a split year of record keeping, I feel the least auditing billable hours will result by designating Stuart J. Bonniwell to complete the 1991 audit. By relying on his past experience of auditing St. Anthony's books, the City will spend the least amount of money possible for the service it needs.