Logo courtesy of the City of Biggs

BIGGS, CA (MPG) – Biggs has hired an independent auditor to review its finances and identify weaknesses in how the city tracks and manages public money.

The City Council approved an agreement with Badawi & Associates on Oct. 27 covering three fiscal years, with total spending capped at $107,549.

City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier said the firm was selected from two companies that responded to the city’s request for proposals. The contract matched the firm’s original offer without added changes, he said.

“They’ve been very forthcoming and very responsive to all our discussions,” Gauthier said.

The audits will examine the city’s financial statements for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, 2027 and 2028. The review covers general government operations and city-run utility services.

Auditors will check financial records, identify accounting corrections and report weaknesses in procedures intended to protect public funds. They also must recommend improvements and follow up on problems identified in the previous year.

The three financial-statement audits will cost $85,015. The contract allows additional spending for compliance reviews and help preparing financial statements, if needed and separately authorized. Biggs is not required to spend the full contract amount, officials said. Travel, other expenses and presentations to the council are included in the fees.

Gauthier said the firm had completed its insurance and bonding paperwork. He also confirmed that references had been checked.

Work on the first audit is scheduled to wrap up by Dec. 31, with final reports and a council presentation due by Jan. 31, 2027. Future audits are scheduled for completion by December following the end of each fiscal year, officials said.

The city could extend the agreement to cover fiscal years 2029 and 2030, but those options would require council approval and funding.

City officials remain responsible for maintaining accurate financial statements and procedures to safeguard public money. If the firm helps prepare those statements, the work must include safeguards to preserve its independence as an auditor.

The agreement also holds back the final 20% of each annual fee until the firm delivers its reports and presents the results to the council.