EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The City Council voted Dec. 20 at the Hall of Waters to approve a three-year auditing agreement with Springfield-based Baird, Kurtz and Dobson LLP.

The city has the option to end the agreement before 2024, Finance Director Vonda Floyd told city leaders.

“Basically, they will send out – on an annual basis – a letter of engagement,” Floyd said. “So if something were to happen that we weren’t pleased (with) for whatever reason, they send out that letter of engagement and we select not to sign it.”

BKD replaces RSM, a firm with locations that include Kansas City. RSM Senior Director Kristen Hughes stated in a November letter to city leaders that the firm would not seek reappointment “as independent auditor.” The city requested proposals from six companies, receiving responses from Cochran Head Vick and Co. of Kansas City and BKD, Floyd stated in a Dec. 16 memo to city leaders and reiterated before the vote.

“Both firms are experienced in government finance and audits,” Floyd stated. “I have been in conversations with both and think either would be a good choice.”

Floyd gave BKD the nod “based on scheduling availability” and the firm’s expertise in complying with conditions set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, she stated.