Background
At the Hapeville City Council meeting on July 18th, 2017, Council directed city staff to open negotiations with Mauldin & Jenkins, CPA's for the FY 2017 audit. Staff was directed, if suitable terms could not be met with Mauldin & Jenkins to proceed with the next highest ranked firm from the proposal rankings with the caveat that JK Boatwright would be placed in bottom of the list.
Finance management and a Council member met with engagement representatives from Mauldin & Jenkins on August 2nd to discuss the audit proposal and suggest next steps. For Council consideration is the included engagement letter for the FY 2017 audit, with proposed audit fee of $35,000.
Staff recommends that Council authorizes approval for signing the audit engagement letter.
Background:
Since 2001 the City has had an economic development grant of $50,000 provided by Fulton County. The funding was seed money for business loans to assist in furthering City economic development efforts. Matching funds for the program were never provided and the $50,000 has been in a separate City account accruing interest. The City has recently worked with the Development Authority of Fulton County to allow Hapeville’s re-purposing the grant. Per the included letter, on August 3, 2017 the Development Authority of Fulton County approved the re-positioning of the grant with an understanding Hapeville would use a portion to join Connect South Fulton ($6,800) and the City's commitment to use the balance to further the economic development of the City and County. Council approved the joining of Connect South Fulton and the payment of $6,800 has been issued. Further, Council guidance is needed on how to re-purpose the remaining $43,606.
As a financial note, use of these funds does constitute a use of fund balance and will be so represented, in fiscal 2018. Funds from this account will be transferred to the pooled cash account on a dollar for dollar basis of its use.
At this time, the Mayor opens the floor to comments from the audience. Comments should relate to a specific agenda item, not listed on the agenda for a Public Hearing, or to a concern within the jurisdiction of the City. Mayor and Council meetings serve the purpose of conducting city business and are not a forum for the unlimited expression of opinion. The Mayor reserves the right to limit comments to matters germane to city business and may refer speakers to the City Manager or other staff for resolution.