District staff recommends Denver-based DMC for audit work; estimated cost about $30,000

David (district staff) told the board he reached out to three audit firms and recommended contracting with DMC (a Denver-based firm recommended by the Colorado Department of Education) to perform the district’s fiscal audit and provide consulting support. David told the board DMC’s price is about $30,000, which he characterized as roughly $100,000 less than larger national or regional firms.

David described preliminary conversations with DMC leadership and said DMC appears capable of starting work promptly; he also discussed the possibility of short-term, hourly consulting from a larger firm (Plant Moran) to help prepare the district for audit work if needed. Board members stressed the importance of transparency about audit progress and discussed whether the board should consider an engagement letter for formal action at a future meeting. No formal contracting vote occurred during the meeting.

If the board elects to proceed, staff said they would present an engagement letter and brought up scope and timing concerns, noting auditors cannot guarantee a December 31 audit completion date because they have not worked with the district previously. Board members asked staff to present an action item (engagement letter) and to include a short presentation on the process in the financial report so the board and public understand the selection and timeline.