Finance Committee Agenda and Packet 2015 07 20

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City Council Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 05/18/15 Page 2 of 4 Finance Director, Kevin Watson, requested direction from the Finance Committee regarding issuing the RFP for audit services. Director Watson stated that the City's current auditor, Eide Bailly, was awarded the five -year bid in 2008. In 2013, the Finance Committee approved a two -year contract extension. This negotiated contract will end this year. Staff discussed with the Committee the upcoming Federal audit of the FEMA funds, implementation of the city -wide ERP, and continued Single Audit programs upcoming in the next two years. The Finance Committee directed staff to negotiate an additional two -year contract extension with Eide Bailly to provide continuity throughout the these audits. The communication and RFP can be located in the packet of the May 18, 2015 Finance Committee Meeting. STATEMENT OF PROCEDURES — CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Senior Accountant, Graham Clark presented to the Finance Committee a proposed policy and procedure for forgiving unpaid water services for certain Louisville residents experiencing financial hardship. Based on research conducted of other cities with similar programs, Accountant Clark stated that the proposed policy would allow the City to grant a waiver of up to $500 per customer, per lifetime, in past due water service fees. Finance Committee Members discussed a variety of issues such as notification of the program to residents, the possible provision for the funds to be repaid when possible, and whether or not such a program should be funded out of the Enterprise Funds versus the General Fund. The consensus reached was that the General Fund should be used for any assistance program or grant provided. Member Stolzmann stated that she would prefer contributing City funds to a non- profit fund or organization, perhaps one that residents could contribute to as well, to address this need. Staff stated that certain residents have been directed to Sister Carmen's for assistance, and that perhaps the City could formalize an agreement with Sister Carmen to extend assistance to Louisville residents needing help with their water service fees. Member Keany stated that such a program should include a provision for fraud recovery and that the City should not create an administratively burdensome process to accommodate a handful of situations. The Finance Committee directed staff to bring back information regarding additional program criteria, fraud recovery, the interest level of Sister Carmen's to