Audit Selection Committee

Mission & Purpose

The City’s Audit Selection Committee is established in accordance with Section 218.391, Florida Statutes, to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds through a fair and competitive process for selecting the City’s independent auditor.

The primary mission of the Committee is to assist the City Council in the selection of a qualified certified public accounting firm to conduct the City’s annual financial audit as required by Florida law. The Committee evaluates qualified audit firms based on established criteria, including professional experience, qualifications of personnel, ability to provide required services, and other factors determined to be relevant to the City’s auditing needs.

In addition to assisting with the auditor selection process, the Committee may serve in an advisory capacity for other audit oversight responsibilities as directed by the City Council.

All Committee proceedings are conducted in accordance with applicable public meeting requirements to ensure openness, transparency, and public access.

The City’s Audit Selection Committee is committed to maintaining a professional, impartial, and transparent process that supports public confidence in the City’s financial reporting and accountability practices

Responsibilities

 The Audit Selection Committee is responsible for:

• Establishing evaluation criteria for selecting a qualified independent auditing firm.
• Reviewing and evaluating proposals submitted by qualified certified public accounting firms.
• Considering factors such as experience, qualifications, resources, technical ability, and overall ability to perform the required audit services.
• Ranking the most qualified firms in order of preference.
• Providing recommendations to the City Council for final selection and contract negotiations.
• Supporting a fair, objective, and transparent auditor selection process consistent with Florida Statutes.

The Committee does not independently appoint the City’s auditor. The final selection and approval of the audit services contract remains the responsibility of the City Council.

Board Composition

The City’s Audit Selection Committee shall consist of five (5) members appointed to assist the City Council in fulfilling its auditor selection responsibilities.

The Committee shall be composed of:

• One (1) City Council Member, who shall serve as the Chair of the Audit Selection Committee.
• Four (4) additional members appointed by the City Council to provide diverse perspectives and support the evaluation of qualified audit firms.

City staff members, the City Manager, and the Chief Financial Officer may not serve as voting members of the Audit Selection Committee; however, City staff may provide information and serve in an advisory capacity as needed.

Board Members

• TBD - Committee Chair
• TBD - Committee Member 
• TBD - Committee Member 
• TBD - Committee Member  
• TBD - Committee Member 

Board Vacancies

The City is currently accepting applications to fill four (4) vacancies on the Audit Selection Committee. Qualified residents interested in contributing to the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial oversight are encouraged to apply.

Committee members will assist in the evaluation and recommendation of qualified independent auditing firms in accordance with Section 218.391, Florida Statutes. Members will review audit proposals, consider established evaluation criteria, and provide recommendations to the City Council as part of the auditor selection process.

Applicants should have an interest in public service, financial accountability, and supporting sound governance practices.

Membership Terms & Appointmenet Process

Committee members are appointed by the City Council and serve in accordance with the terms established by the City. Members are selected based on their interest in public service, commitment to transparency, and ability to assist in the evaluation of professional audit services.

Application Information

Residents interested in serving on the Audit Selection Committee are encouraged to submit an application for consideration by the City Council. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in government operations, financial accountability, and serving the community.

Authority & Establishement

The Audit Selection Committee is established pursuant to Section 218.391, Florida Statutes, which requires local governmental entities to establish an auditor selection committee prior to entering into a contract for annual financial audit services. The Committee supports a fair, competitive, and transparent process for selecting an independent certified public accounting firm to conduct the City’s annual financial audit.