WESTLOCK – County council didn’t go along with administration’s recommendation to appoint JDP Wasserman as Westlock County’s financial auditor for 2024 to 2026 with an additional optional two-year extension after Coun. Stuart Fox-Robinson said he was opposed.
Council discussed the item during its regular council meeting on Oct. 22 before going in camera for further discussion. Reeve Christine Wiese then called a special meeting for the next day.
At the start of the special meeting on Oct. 23, council went behind closed doors to discuss who to use as an auditor before making a public vote. Deputy Reeve Ray Marquette made the motion that the county use Metrix Group LLP as financial auditor. It was approved by a majority vote of council.
Administration had sent out a Request for Proposals in August with the closing date being Sept. 13. They received three proposals. JDP Wasserman’s bid for the years 2024 to 2028 was $114,443 compared with Metrix Group LLP’s bid of $196,500. The highest bid was from MNP for $215,800.
The county’s preliminary audit work will start in November with interim audit work occurring in early December. The final fieldwork audit will be in early March 2025. Statements are expected to be presented to council in April 2025.
