During a recent city council meeting, Anna's Director of Finance, Amy Ferguson, presented a new agreement for audit services, mandated by both the city charter and Texas local government code. The city is required to conduct an annual audit by independent CPAs and to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) every five years. Following an RFP issued in July 2024, the city staff recommended Mazars, citing their competitive pricing and qualifications. Rachel Ormsbee, a partner at Mazars, emphasized the firm’s commitment to providing exceptional service and their experience working with municipalities across North Texas.

The council unanimously approved the motion to engage Mazars for a three-year term, with two additional one-year options. This decision reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in financial matters.

Following the audit discussion, the council moved on to the first reading of a resolution approving the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget for the Anna Community Development Corporation (CDC). Director of Economic Development, Bernie Parker, highlighted the city’s rapid growth, noting that Anna was ranked as the fourth fastest-growing city in the U.S. The CDC's budget, which was passed by the board in July, includes significant investments in downtown development and community initiatives.

Parker outlined key highlights from the budget, including the acquisition of five acres for downtown development, the construction of new retail establishments such as Home Depot and Chipotle, and the hiring of new staff to bolster the economic development team. The proposed budget for the CDC is approximately $3 million, a decrease from the previous year due to the absence of certain incentives.

The council's discussions underscored a proactive approach to development, with a focus on enhancing the community's infrastructure and economic landscape. The meeting concluded with a second reading of the CDC budget resolution, further solidifying the city’s strategic plans for growth and development in the coming fiscal year.