CITY OF PALATKA ? RFP 2026-06 ? AUDIT SERVICES

201 N. 2nd Street | Palatka, Florida 32177
386-329-0100 | www.palatka-fl.gov
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
AUDIT SERVICES
2026-06
Issue Date: Monday, September 21, 2026
Due Date: Monday, October 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM
CITY OF PALATKA * REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - 2026-06-AUDIT SERVICES * 1

201 N. 2nd Street | Palatka, Florida 32177
386-329-0100 | www.palatka-fl.gov
Table of Contents
Section Section Title Page
I. GENERAL INFORMATION & PROPOSED TIMELINE 3
II. INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS
4
III. SCOPE OF SERVICE
5
IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE GOVERNMENT 6
V. TIME REQUIREMENT
7
VI. ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY CITY STAFF 8
VII. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
9
VIII. EVALUATIONS PROCEDURES 14
IX. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
18
CITY OF PALATKA * REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - 2026-06-AUDIT SERVICES * 2

201 N. 2nd Street | Palatka, Florida 32177
386-329-0100 | www.palatka-fl.gov
General Information
The Audit Committee of the City of Palatka, Florida is soliciting proposals from qualified firms of Independent Certified
Public Accountants. This request for proposals is to audit the financial statements of the City for a period of three
fiscal years commencing with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, with an option for two one-year renewals.
The audits are to be performed in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), the provisions of
the Federal Single Audit Act, the provisions of the Florida Single Audit Act, the State of Florida Rules of the Auditor
General, and any other applicable rules or regulations.
The City's previous contract for audit services was with:
HCT Certified Public Accountants & Consultants, LLC
816 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 203
Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone (954) 966-4435
The prior three years of Annual Financial Reports are available for viewing on the City of Palatka's web site at
https://www.palatka-fl.gov/147/Finance.
Proposed Timeline
Task Date
Release of RFP Monday, September 21, 2026
Deadline for Questions & Requests for Information Monday, September 28, 2026
Addendum posted to City site and DemandStar (Q&A/RFI) Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Proposals Due @ 2:00pm - Public Opening Monday, October 5, 2026
Administrative & Compliance Review Period Ends Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Public Evaluation Committee Meeting - 5:00pm Thursday, October 8, 2026
Intent to Award Posted to the City website Friday, October 9, 2026
Protest Period Ends Monday, October 19, 2026
City Commission Award Date Thursday, October 22, 2026
All dates are subject to change.
Bidders will be notified via Addendum posted in DemandStar.com and the City's website at http://www.palatka-fl.gov/bids.aspx
CITY OF PALATKA * REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - 2026-06-AUDIT SERVICES * 3

201 N. 2nd Street | Palatka, Florida 32177
386-329-0100 | www.palatka-fl.gov
Instructions for Proposers
A. Proposals are being accepted until 02:00 p.m., Monday October 5, 2026, by the City of Palatka City Clerk, or clerk's
designee.
B. Proposals shall be submitted in sealed envelopes and clearly identified as
"PROPOSALS FOR AUDIT SERVICES - RFP 2026-06"
C. To facilitate the review of proposals, each Proposer must submit six signed, one digital and one original copy of the
proposal to the address listed below:
CITY OF PALATKA
PROPOSALS FOR AUDIT SERVICES - RFP 2026-06
201 North 2nd Street
Palatka, FL 32177
D. Questions concerning these specifications and/or requests for information (RFI) should be directed to
procurement@palatka-fl.gov by email. The deadline for questions is Monday, September 28, 2026.
E. All questions or requests for information (RFI) concerning this RFP will be answered by an addendum which will be
posted to the City's website at http://www.palatka-fl.gov/bids.aspx and Demand Star no later than Wednesday,
September 30, 2026.
.
CITY OF PALATKA * REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - 2026-06-AUDIT SERVICES * 4

201 N. 2nd Street | Palatka, Florida 32177
386-329-0100 | www.palatka-fl.gov
Scope of Services
The City of Palatka desires the auditor to assist with the preparation of the financial statements, related notes, and RSI and
to express an opinion on the fair presentation of its basic financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. An opinion on the fair presentation of the combining and individual fund financial statements,
government-wide and fund financial statements should also be expressed, based upon the auditing procedures applied in
the audit of the basic financial statements.
The audit shall be conducted in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards as set forth by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants; the standards set forth by the Government Accounting Standards Board; Financial
Accounting Standards Board; the U.S. General Accounting Office's Government Auditing Standards, Section 218.415 Florida
Statutes; the Florida Department of Banking and Finance; the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR 200 and
the Supercircular; the Rules of the Auditor General; the Single Audit Act of 1984 as revised in 1996; the Florida Single Audit
Act; Chapter 270-1, Rules of the Executive Office of the Governor, Florida Administrative Code and any other applicable
standards as set forth by Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards and Florida Statutes, including all those
required during the contract period based on old and new accounting pronouncements and procedures.
A. Reports to be Issued
1. A report on the fair presentation of the financial statements of the City as a whole.
2. A report on compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
3. All applicable reports of State and Federal financial assistance in association with the Single Audit Act of 1984
and amendments of 1996 and the Florida Single Audit Act, as needed.
4. Management letters for the City Commissioners.
5. A report on internal control based on the auditor's understanding of the control structure and assessment of
control risk.
B. Special Considerations
On occasion the auditor may be requested to issue a "consent and citation of expertise" and necessary "comfort
letter" in connection with the issuance of debt securities. These services should be separate from the "Total Price".
C. Communications with Finance
Auditors shall assure themselves that the City's Finance Team is informed of each of the following:
1. The auditor's responsibility under generally accepted auditing standards.
2. Significant audit adjustments.
3. Difficulties encountered in performing the audit.
D. Working Paper Retention and Access to Working Papers
All working papers and reports must be retained, at the auditor's expense, for a minimum of five years after release
of the audit, unless the firm is notified, in writing, by the City of Palatka of the need to extend the retention period.
The auditor will be required to make working papers available upon request, without charge, to any federal, state,
or the City of Palatka. In addition, the firm shall respond to the reasonable inquiries of successor auditors and allow
successor auditors to review working papers relating to matters of continuing accounting significance indefinitely.
CITY OF PALATKA * REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - 2026-06-AUDIT SERVICES * 5

201 N. 2nd Street | Palatka, Florida 32177
386-329-0100 | www.palatka-fl.gov
Description of the Government
A. Fiscal Year
The City of Palatka's fiscal year begins October 1 and ends September 30. The funds and accounts of the City are
maintained by the City's Finance Department.
B. The City of Palatka Accounting Records
The City's records include: 3 governmental funds, 4 enterprise funds (including a Municipal Golf Course that is leased through
a Franchise Agreement and has been audited in the past by way of AUP), 3 pension funds and a component unit, Palatka Gas
Authority (utility billing functions for the City.)
General Long-Term Debt and General Fixed Assets funds are maintained in the records for worksheet purposes. Total
budgeted expenditures for the general fund of the City for fiscal year 2025/2026 are approximately $27.3 million.
Fund Names
General Fund
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Fund
Better Place Plan Capital Project Fund
Special Revenues Fund
Water Utility Fund
Golf Course Fund
Airport Fund
Sanitation Fund
Gas Authority
C. Budgets
Budgets are integrated with the financial records of the City and software has been implemented integrating the budget,
general ledger, purchase orders, payroll, fixed assets, business tax permits, cash receipts, accounts receivable, and accounts
payable functions together in a single modular system.
CITY OF PALATKA * REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - 2026-06-AUDIT SERVICES * 6

201 N. 2nd Street | Palatka, Florida 32177
386-329-0100 | www.palatka-fl.gov
Time Requirements
The following is provided as a guideline and tentative timetable, but each year the external audit firm and the City will
develop an audit schedule agreeable to the City for that year.
A. Risk-based Audit Plan
An audit plan should be submitted to the City of Palatka Finance Department after the awarding of the contract.
Each following year, this plan will need to be submitted prior to the beginning of interim audit procedures.
B. Proposed Schedule for each Fiscal Year's Audit will be substantially as follows (subject to change):
By November Entrance conferences
Interim audit procedures
September 30 Fiscal year end
By December 30 Books will be closed and ready for audit last week of December
During February Field work
End of February Field work is complete
Meet with audit committee to discuss material misstatements, fraud risks, and issues
related to efficiency and effectiveness
By March 15 Meet with City Manager and Finance Team to present draft of management letter,
internal control report, and significant findings. (This will be the exit conference unless
significant changes subsequently occur.)
By April 30 Final Financial Statements delivered to Finance
Early May Present Financial Statement and any significant findings to City Commission for
acceptance by City Commission at Regular City Commission Meeting.
*Timeline may fluctuate depending on circumstances.
C. Purpose of Conferences
Entrance Conference - To discuss prior audit problems and the interim work to be performed. Establish overall
liaison for the audit, make arrangements for workspace and establish time requirements.
Exit Conference - Summarize the results of the fieldwork and review significant findings.
Progress Conferences - These should be held informally on an as needed basis to inform the Finance Team of
preliminary results that need immediate attention (or of a significant nature).
CITY OF PALATKA * REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - 2026-06-AUDIT SERVICES * 7

201 N. 2nd Street | Palatka, Florida 32177
386-329-0100 | www.palatka-fl.gov
Assistance Provided by City Staff
The Finance Department will prepare summary trial balances and provide other information, documentation and
explanations, as needed. All information provided will be in the format maintained by the City Finance Department. Any
additional or reformatted schedules will be the responsibility of the auditor.
The City will provide the auditor with reasonable workspace, desks, and chairs.
The auditor will be responsible for preparation of the completed Annual Financial Report and the printing and distribution
of the report once delivered to the proper official. The AFR must be sent to the DFS (Department of Financial Services) within
45 days after the completion of the audit report. Community Redevelopment Agency audit conducted pursuant to FS Section
163.387(8)(c) requires that section be filed with DFS. The AFR is ultimately submitted to GFOA for consideration to be
awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
CITY OF PALATKA * REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - 2026-06-AUDIT SERVICES * 8

201 N. 2nd Street | Palatka, Florida 32177
386-329-0100 | www.palatka-fl.gov
Proposal Requirements
All proposals submitted should be arranged in the following manner:
A. Title Page
Information should include the subject of the RFP, the firm's name, the name of a contact person along with an
address and phone number, and the date of the proposal.
B. Table of Contents
C. Transmittal Letter
A signed letter of transmittal briefly stating the proposer's understanding of the work to be done, the commitment
to perform the work within the time period, a statement of why the firm believes itself to be the best qualified to
perform the engagement and a statement that the proposal is a firm and irrevocable offer to provide the services
as outlined in the RFP.
D. Minimum Qualifications
1. Firm must be a certified public accounting firm duly licensed in the State of Florida under Chapter 473, Florida
Statutes and qualified to conduct audits in accordance with governmental auditing standards as adopted by
the Florida Board of Accountancy.
2. Firm shall provide proof and an affirmative statement that the firm and all assigned key professional staff are
properly licensed to practice as certified public accountants in the State of Florida.
3. The audit firm's professional personnel have received 80 hours of continuing professional education within
the preceding two years and provide evidence of the same.
4. Firm must provide an affirmative statement that it is independent of the City as defined by generally accepted
auditing standards and the U.S General Accounting Office's "Government Auditing Standards (1988)."
5. Firm must provide an affirmative statement accepting the contract award, subject to the City's standard
required contractual terms, the terms and conditions as contained in this RFP, and contractual provisions
required in Section 218.391(7), Florida Statutes.
6. Firm must provide at least three references from other governmental entities in the last five years
performing the scope of work and engagement described in this request for proposals for such
governmental entities. Indicate the scope of work, date, engagement partners, total hours, and the name
and telephone number of the principal client contact. References must be from the firm's office that will be
assigned responsibility for the audit. List the most significant engagements.
The firm must adhere to the instructions in this Request for Proposal on preparing and submitting the proposal.
Failure to adhere to the RFP requirements will result in the response being rejected.
CITY OF PALATKA * REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - 2026-06-AUDIT SERVICES * 9

201 N. 2nd Street | Palatka, Florida 32177
386-329-0100 | www.palatka-fl.gov
E. Detailed Proposal
1. Purpose of Technical Proposal
The purpose of the technical proposal is to demonstrate the qualifications, competence and capacity of
the firms seeking to undertake an independent audit of the City of Palatka government in conformity with
the requirements of the RFP. As such, the substance of proposals will carry more weight than their form or
manner of presentation. The technical proposal should demonstrate the qualifications of the firm and of
the staff to be assigned to this engagement. It should also specify an audit approach that will meet the
RFP's requirements.
2. Overview of Technical Proposal
The technical proposal should address all the points outlined in the RFP. The proposal should be prepared
simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of the proposer's capabilities to
satisfy the requirements of the RFP.
3. Independence
The firm should provide an affirmative statement that it is independent of the City of Palatka Government
as defined by generally accepted auditing standards and the U.S. General Accounting Office's "Government
Auditing Standards (1988)."The firm should also list and describe the firms' professional relationships
involving City of Palatka Government for the past five (5) years, together with a statement explaining why
such relationships do not constitute a conflict of interest relative to performing the proposed audit.
In addition, the firm shall give the City of Palatka written notice of any professional relationships entered
into during the period of this agreement.
4. License to Practice in Florida
An affirmative statement should be included indicating that the firm and all assigned key professional staff
are properly licensed to practice in Florida.
5. Firm Qualifications and Experience
a. The proposal should state the size of the firm, the size of the firm'sgovernmental audit staff, the
location of the office from which the work on this engagement is to be performed, the number and
nature of the professional staff to be employed in this engagement on a full-time basis and the
number and nature of the staff to be so employed on a part-time basis.
b. If the proposer is a joint venture or consortium, the qualifications of each firm comprising the joint
venture or consortium should be separately identified and the firm that is to serve as the principal
auditor should be noted, if applicable.
c. The firm shall provide the report on its external quality control review (peer review) as required by
number 12 below.
d. The firm shall also provide information on the results of any federal or state desk reviews or field
reviews of its audits during the past three (3) years. In addition, the firm shall provide information on
the circumstances and status of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the firm during the
three (3) years with state regulatory bodies or professional organizations.
6. Partner, Supervisory and Staff Qualifications and Experience
The firm should identify the principal supervisory and management staff,
CITY OF PALATKA * REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - 2026-06-AUDIT SERVICES * 10