Idaho Falls redevelopment agency directs staff to negotiate audit contract with Jensen Polson

The Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency on July 16 directed staff to select Jensen Polson and negotiate an audit contract, after staff presented outreach results and cost estimates from multiple firms.

Cassie, the agency staff member who conducted outreach, told the board she contacted several local firms. Sorrell Hart provided a high-level, preliminary range of $30,000–$50,000 pending further scoping. Poston, Denny & Kilpak declined because of licensing and software needs. Red (the prior auditor) quoted about $15,500–$16,000. Moss Adams, the city's auditor, provided a higher range of about $22,500 for the audit alone with an additional fee if the firm prepared financial statements.

Cassie said Jensen Polson, which currently audits several other Idaho urban renewal agencies, returned a proposal for a one-year engagement "not to exceed $11,000." She said she had provided prior‑year financial statements to prospective firms to obtain ballpark quotes.

Board members discussed the trade-offs between keeping the longstanding auditor (Red) versus moving to a firm that has urban renewal experience or providing a fresh set of eyes. One commissioner said an alternative auditor that had not done their audit previously might spot issues that a long-term auditor could miss. Others cautioned that switching auditors could increase workload for staff.

On a motion to select Jensen Polson and direct staff to negotiate the contract, the board approved the motion by voice vote. The motion to select Jensen Polson was moved by a commissioner (mover: Commissioner, speaker 4) and seconded by another commissioner (second: Commissioner, speaker 2). The chair called the vote and the motion passed.

Cassie and staff will proceed to finalize the engagement letter and return to the board as required by procurement procedures.