2017-018 Consultant Expenses-Operating Funds
Date: March 3, 2017 Report No. 2017-018
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
This is a report of expenses for outside consultants and professional services for the past four fiscal
years.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is to provide the Mayor and City Council with a report summarizing
expenses and commitments for outside consultants and professional services for the past four fiscal
years. There is no action necessary as this report is for informational purposes only.
BACKGROUND:
This report has been prepared at the request of Council. This report excludes expenses associated
with capital projects. It shows purchase orders by general category and the dollar amount of the
full purchase order is based on the fiscal year in which the service was approved. In many cases
the actual payments for these services may occur over a period of one year or longer. The summary
also shows the full amount of the purchase order, but some projects may not spend the full amount.
DISCUSSION:
Below is a chart displaying major areas of expenses and committments for outside consultants and
professional services for fiscal years 2012-2013 through 2015-2016:
CategoryFY 2012-13FY 2013-14FY 2014-15FY 2015-16
Architectural Design$ 98,179 $ 127,511 $ 8,494 $ 8,013
Audit/ Finance Services 69,009 105,650 116,873 84,933
Energy Services - - - 362,448
Engineering Design 550,949 418,555 282,237 309,888
Environmental Planning 13,036 198,136 74,300 32,920
HR Recruitment and Studies 80,220 97,168 79,497 133,588
Legal Services 182,760 1,174,673 2,220,528* 107,085
Legislative Services 234,622 240,940 266,771 249,900
Marketing 4,080 15,000 10,125 -
Planning and Development 29,779 142,433 44,030 24,500
Risk and Health Contracts 72,500 72,500 48,500 25,432
Technology Implementation 191,006 419,985 311,011 253,491
Training and Retreats 19,227 75,410 23,240 75,784
Transportation & Mobility 126,000 577,500 - 147,740
Total$ 1,671,367 $ 3,665,461 $ 3,485,606 $ 1,815,722
Percent of Operating Budgets0.36%0.74%0.67%0.33%
*These purchase orders were estimated legal fees but the actual expenditures are significantly less.
Date: March 3, 2017 Report No. 2017-018
CONCLUSION:
After reviewing the expenses in these categories, and considering the types of services received,
staff concluded that no personnel or contract modifications are necessary. Staff will continue
monitoring these professional services. If it appears that these needs will be recurring in nature,
or these services can be provided by in-house staff, we will adjust our contracts and/or personnel
accordingly. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding this report.
STAFF CONTACT:
Chuck Springer, Director of Finance
940-349-8260
Charles.Springer@cityofdenton.com