Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
Scottsdale City Council has unanimously adopted the fiscal year 2025-26 audit plan, a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring transparency, accountability, and operational excellence across Scottsdale’s municipal departments.
The audit plan, developed by the City Auditor’s Office and approved by the City Council’s Audit Committee on June 26, 2025, outlines 13 audits and related projects, with two additional contingency audits.
Scottsdale City Council approved the audit plan during its Aug. 25 meeting at City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
These initiatives are designed to evaluate key areas such as financial controls, hiring practices, technology asset management, and facility project oversight. The plan reflects a strategic, risk-based approach to auditing, ensuring that Scottsdale’s resources are managed efficiently and in alignment with public expectations.
“This audit plan is a testament to Scottsdale’s commitment to good governance, Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky said. “It ensures that our city operates with integrity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. I commend the Audit Committee and City Auditor’s Office for their diligence and foresight.”
Established under the Scottsdale City Charter, the City Auditor is a Charter Officer tasked with independently evaluating the efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance of city operations.
The Audit Committee, chaired by Councilwoman Maryann McAllen and including Councilman Barry Graham and Councilwoman Solange Whitehead, voted 3-0 to recommend the plan to the full City Council.
Among the planned audits are:
- Fleet Maintenance – assessing vehicle upkeep efficiency.
- Technology Asset Management – evaluating lifecycle controls for IT assets.
- Recruitment and Hiring Practices – reviewing HR compliance and effectiveness.
- Facility Project Management – examining oversight of city infrastructure projects.
- E-Verify Compliance – ensuring contractor adherence to federal employment verification laws.
Two contingency audits—focused on cash handling accountability and a potential audit of the Scottsdale Unified School District — provide flexibility to address emerging risks or special requests. The SUSD audit, if initiated, would be conducted under the 2021 intergovernmental agreement and include cost recovery provisions.
The current fiscal year budget allocates approximately $1.38 million to the City Auditor’s Office, supporting up to 6.75 full-time equivalent positions and funding for contracted audit services.
“Scottsdale residents deserve a city government that is accountable and responsive. This audit plan ensures we continue to meet those expectations,” Mayor Borowsky pointed out.
