Delrayo Center board votes to hire Patrick Hall as independent auditor

The Delrayo Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability voted to engage independent auditor Patrick Hall after reviewing three proposals at a meeting called to order at 1:45 p.m.

The finance committee recommended Hall’s proposal, which included a $5,000 quote, citing his experience with governmental and quasi-governmental organizations and his local base in Corpus Christi. “Patrick Hall has experience with governmental and quasi government organizations,” said a finance committee member who presented the proposals and the committee’s recommendation.

Committee members compared Hall’s bid with a $6,000 offer from Charity CPAs and a higher third proposal estimated at roughly $12,700. Committee members noted Charity CPAs’ lower cost reflected a largely virtual model but said the firm’s nonprofit focus and virtual approach weighed against them when the nonprofit sought a firm with governmental-audit experience. The committee also warned that, if the organization requires a Texas-registered accountant in accordance with its bylaws, Charity CPAs’ timeline could extend because of additional registration steps. Committee materials estimated Charity CPAs’ on-site work at about six weeks, with an additional four to six weeks potentially required for Texas registration, creating a possible 10–12 week timeline.

The finance committee also flagged a separate line item: Melagaza would prepare the organization’s 1099‑EZ, a filing the board identified as a past point of concern. A board member noted June Jordan, CPA, had filed the organization’s Form 990 previously.

After discussion, the chair moved to engage Patrick Hall; a second was made and the board approved the motion by voice vote. The motion carried. The board then moved to adjourn.

The board did not record a roll-call vote; the approval was announced as a voice vote following the motion. The board also noted a third proposal had been received the day of the meeting and had not been fully reviewed by the finance committee prior to the vote.