Efficient, Effective, Responsive
Request for Board Action
Contract for Audit Services
05/23/17
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Background and Legislation
Efficient, Effective, Responsive
Prior to 2015, only some counties were authorized to
work with private CPA firms
State law revised in 2015 (M.S.§6.481) to provide an
option for all MN counties to outsource annual audits
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Background
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• In 2016, Office of State Auditor (OSA) sent letters
to clients requesting 3 year contracts
• Dakota County Manager, after Board
authorization, sent letter of intent to OSA regarding
RFP for private auditing services
• Board established engagement of private audit
firm as a 2017 Board Priority
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Process
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• RFP was released fall of 2016
• Five proposals, received; two firms interviewed
• Staff recommends CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP based on
experience, history with public sector organizations
• Based on previous 3 years’ costs, approximately $30,000
expected in annual savings
• Expect transition of duties from OSA to new firm to go
smoothly
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OSA response to legislation
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• Office of State Auditor (OSA) challenged law in
court
• Ramsey County judge dismissed State Auditor’s
claims against 3 counties. One appeal is pending
• OSA published report assessing private firms’
audit performance of counties. Firms have
responded with additional information as
requested
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Questions
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