Finance committee presses staff on delayed audit as city issues RFP for new auditor

A committee member at the July 6 Bangor City finance committee meeting sharply questioned staff about a delayed audit report, saying the city approved its budget without the prior-year audit and that waiting until November for a final report was "not acceptable as far as I'm concerned." The committee asked staff for more regular updates and a clearer timeline.

Finance Director Stephanie Kimble explained that the delay is the result of a combination of factors: a backlog with the current auditor and turnover in auditor staffing. Kimble told the committee the city has issued a request for proposals for new audit services and that the state granted an extension allowing the audit delivery date to move to November at the latest. She said the city will pursue a new firm and aim to set more achievable reporting deadlines.

"It's a combination," Kimble said, describing both backlog and turnover as contributors to the late report. She added that the RFP seeks a firm that can meet more consistent, achievable timelines.

Committee members asked whether the delay was caused by the city's inability to provide information or by the auditor's internal backlog; Kimble replied that it was a combination of both factors. Members requested updated percentage-completion reports from the auditor (RKO) to establish a baseline.

The committee did not take a formal vote on audit services during the meeting. Staff said they will continue the RFP process, provide interim updates and aim to present fourth-quarter financial interims at the next finance committee meeting.