BIGGS, CA (MPG) - In a move to enhance the city’s financial management, the Biggs City Council on Sept. 9 approved the transition of accounting and financial services from Regional Government Services to JJACPA Inc. 

This change follows a thorough review of service agreements and a strategic decision to better align the city’s financial consulting needs with service providers, according to Interim City Administrator Rodney Harr.

The council approved extending its current contract with RGS through Nov. 30 to allow adequate time for year-end financial tasks and transition planning, increasing the budget for RGS’ service by $10,000. 

At the same meeting, the council also moved forward with approving a new professional services agreement with JJACPA Inc., a Bay Area firm, authorizing an annual contract amount not to exceed $45,000. 

The decision to transition to JJACPA Inc. was made with the goal of securing specialized accounting expertise tailored to the city’s evolving financial requirements, Harr said.

The council authorized Harr to execute the agreement with JJACPA Inc., signaling the city’s commitment to a smooth transition. The new contract will provide ongoing accounting and financial consulting services designed to improve financial oversight and reporting accuracy. This change in service providers also coincides with the city’s broader efforts to streamline procurement policies and improve administrative efficiencies. 

A new procurement policy and procedure manual was adopted Sept. 9, aimed at establishing clear thresholds, formal procedures, and compliance with public contract laws. The manual includes extensive forms and training for staff to ensure consistent and transparent purchasing processes. 

Harr cited shifting standards, regulations, and industry best practices as the reason behind the city’s procurement overhaul.

“The City of Biggs' municipal purchasing policies and procedures haven't been updated since 1997,” Harr said. 

Harr said the manual was developed in response to both internal audits and the Grand Jury’s call for improved transparency and accountability. The manual now includes detailed procedures for general purchasing, public project bidding, contractor notifications, and oversight responsibilities. The manual establishes thresholds for competitive bidding, outlines procedures for informal and formal solicitations, and defines roles for city staff involved in procurement. According to the manual, the city administrator or designated purchasing officer is responsible for overseeing compliance and maintaining procurement records.

Emergency purchases, sole-source acquisitions, and cooperative purchasing agreements are addressed with specific criteria and documentation requirements. The manual also includes provisions for local vendor preference and environmentally responsible purchasing.

“I read over this several times,” said Mayor Bo Sheppard. “I felt a little bit of frustration about what this will bring on, but it is what it is.” 

The purchasing officer or designee ensures that all items received by the city comply with the specifications, terms, and conditions in the purchase order or contract. The Purchasing Officer may, at their discretion, require inspection, testing, or certification to ensure compliance, including third-party testing or verification where appropriate or required by law. Inspection and acceptance procedures shall be outlined in the city’s procurement policy and applied consistently across departments.

Harr said the updated manual is intended to improve financial oversight, reduce risk, and ensure consistent application of procurement rules across all departments. 

“I think this is the best way to do that,” Harr said, noting that the city will also benefit from “open doors” when it comes to public work projects. 

The council unanimously approved the manual and introduced an ordinance amending the city’s municipal code establishing the updated purchasing procedures.