Virginia council approves forensic audit RFP and appoints vendor‑selection committee after debate over staff role

The Virginia City Council on June 30 approved a request for proposals (RFP) for a forensic audit and established a selection committee after a lengthy discussion about staff participation in the selection process.

Councilor Bucksnader said he was comfortable with a second revision of the RFP that he had edited and "moved to approve the RFP for the forensic audit contingent upon setting the final committee." Councilor Motley supported the motion and the council approved the RFP by voice vote.

The meeting then turned to who should serve on the selection committee. The mayor proposed two councilors and some staff. Councilor Bucksnader volunteered to serve and Councilor Paulson volunteered as the second councilor; both were approved to sit on the selection committee.

Council discussion focused on whether participation by the city finance director and city administrator in vendor selection would create a perception problem. Councilor Boxleitner and Councilor Paulson argued for keeping selection "at arm's length" from day‑to‑day staff operations to protect employees and reduce perceived conflicts. The mayor and other council members said experienced staff involvement provides a valuable check and balance and helps ensure informed decisions.

Pam, a city staff member, said she would be willing to serve on the initial vendor interviews; the human resources director Joy indicated assent. Counselor Bachmeier moved to appoint Pam and Joy to the selection committee for the forensic audit firm selection; the motion was supported and carried by voice vote. Counselor Miley emphasized her preference for HR participation.

Councilor Paulson also told the council she had reviewed account 319 (other professional services) and said there appears to be a $61,000 balance that could be used to pay for the forensic audit; she asked staff to circulate the projection worksheet to the full council.

Next steps: staff will finalize the RFP contact details as the selection committee is convened, hold initial interviews, and return vendor recommendations to the council for final action.