City Hires Independent Auditor

An independent firm will provide audit services to Brookhaven.

The Brookhaven City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to hire the public accounting firm of Atlanta-based Mauldin & Jenkins to audit the city's financial activities beginning with the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2013.

“They will look at the city’s finances and internal controls sufficiently to render an opinion on the accuracy of the financial reports,” City Manager Marie L. Garrett said. “We want to be transparent and have an outside party ensure that we are operating in compliance with sound fiscal policies.”

In addition, the city will establish an audit committee comprised of residents and City Council representatives. The committee will serve as an independent and objective party to monitor the city’s financial reporting process and facilitate an open avenue of communication with the auditors.

This will allow the auditor to report and discuss findings with the committee first before presenting them to government leaders and city management. The firm will begin work in the early fall.

The auditing firm will work closely with city Finance Director Bonnie Kline, who oversees the city’s budget, revenue and daily expenditures.

The city council approved Brookhaven’s first budget last month and is scheduled to set the city’s initial millage rate in July.

Mauldin & Jenkins, was selected as the most qualified and responsive firm following a competitive bid process. They were also the lowest bidder. The five-year contract runs from 2013-2017 and is subject to annual review.

The firm audits more governments in Georgia than any other firm and has audited all of the new cities, including Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Chattahoochee Hills, Milton and Johns Creek.

This article was provided by the city and edited for publication.