Kane County Reporter

Deciding which company would be contracted to perform annual audits for the Village of Bartlett was a topic of discussion during a recent board of trustees meeting. 

The village received two responses after putting the contract out for bid. The companies that responded were Lauterbach and Amen, and Sikich LLP.

"Both audit firms have extensive government auditing experience, including the GSF or Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in financial reporting," Trustee Raymond H. Deyne said at the Feb. 21 meeting. "Both firms are more qualified to be the auditor of the village department. Despite the higher price, staff recommended that the contract be awarded to Sikich LLP at a three-year price of $133,440, plus additional costs relating to implementing the new GSP accounting pronouncements. This recommendation is based on the premise that it is a good practice to rotate auditing firms to ensure objectivity and have a fresh set of eyes look at the village financials."

Deyne, who serves as the finance committee chair, stated the board has used Lauterbach and Amen since 2015. The accounting and finance firm also provides auditing service for several other municipalities in the area. Lautervach and Amen's bid response came at a reduced price compared to the quote by Sikich LLP, a company the village used for eight years prior to 2015.

Even though Lauterbach and Amen's quote was all inclusive and lower, some officials suggested switching audit firms to have fresh eyes on the village finances to avoid complacency. 

However, some village board members were worried about the change, since they had been pleased with the work and relationship with Lauterbach and Amen and saw no need to go away from them, plus it would cost the village up to $8000 more. Some village staff also agreed it would be easier for them to stay with their current firm. After a lot of discussion, the village board did not award the contract to Sikich and will return to Lauterbach’s contract at a later date.