City Keeps Current Auditor

The Brooksville City Council decided to remain with a known quantity to ensure its books are kept in tip-top shape.

The council on Monday night selected Oliver & Joseph out of four finalists to perform its annual audits on a contract basis.

The Hernando County firm, one of seven to submit a bid application, has performed the city's audits for the last several years. The council had agreed to put the service out to bid.

Oliver & Joseph had the highest estimate of the four finalists for an annual audit. Councilmember Joe Bernardini asked Mary Beth Gary, a company director, why.

Gary responded that the $67,000 estimate is based on the firm's knowledge of the work that goes into a city audit and that additional quality control standards have been added in the industry.

She also pointed out the city had asked for a maximum, not-to-exceed estimate.

"We think that's a fair price," Ken Deason, another director, told the council.

Before the selection, Councilmember Lara Bradburn said staff had requested that Deason and Gary have more of a presence on site during the annual audits.

"That's certainly something we can do," Gary said.

The other three finalists were Baggett-Henson of Zephyrhills; Williams McCranie, Wardlow & Cash of Inverness; and Larson Allen of Tampa.

Larson Allen had the lowest bid of $39,295.

City staff will draw up a contract with Oliver & Joseph that will likely be ready for council approval at its next regular meeting.