The Three Rivers College Board of Trustees heard proposals during its monthly meeting on Wednesday from two auditing firms seeking five-year contracts.
In a unanimous vote, trustees selected Cape Girardeau based Beussink, Hey, Roe and Stroder, LLC but approved President Dr. Wesley Payne to continue negotiations regarding the specific contractual terms.
BHRS representatives said its firm could perform the college's audits in approximately 200 hours. According to information provided by Three Rivers on the bid proposal sheet, BHRS estimated costs at $29,500 annually, a total anticipated cost of $147,500.
Local accounting firm Kraft, Miles and Tatum has worked with the college since 2011, according to Certified Public Accountant Steven Austin who spoke on behalf of the company.
Austin said KMT can perform auditing services in about 400 hours. KMT estimated costs between $41,000 - $45,000 per year, a total anticipated cost of $215,500.
Trustees voted to enter executive session to further discuss the benefits of each firm before re-entering open session to vote. Five trustees were present.
BHRS representatives said they do not feel their location in regard to Poplar Bluff will negatively impact performance.
Chief Financial Officer Charlotte Eubank said revenue is tracking behind this time last year due to decreasing enrollment. However, Eubank said expenses are also tracking behind and that as revenue continues to come in, TRC is "closing the gap quite well."
Payne noted progress on the Libla Family Sports Complex and said Huffman Construction maintains completion will come at the end of June.
Various program directors from around the college attended the meeting to report on recent goings-on around campus.
Art Professor David Fielding spoke on the Fine Arts Student Exhibition judged by Margaret Harwell Art Museum Director Steve Whitworth. Paintings of various styles were displayed. The exhibit's first-place winner was Jennifer Wagner, second place was Lindsay Alexander and third place was awarded to Shishanna Roberson.
Raiders Assistant Basketball Coach Brian Bess spoke on behalf of the Lady Raiders Softball Team as it was preparing for its first game of the 2018 NJCAA National Championships in St. George, Utah. He commended the diligent efforts of the players, coaches and said he looks forward to seeing what they accomplish at nationals and during next year's season.
ACHIEVE Program Director Todd Allen reported that through the new summer Pell grant initiative, summer enrollment is up. Allen said 58 ACHIEVE students have enrolled which is significantly more than in prior years.
ACHIEVE is the college's comprehensive approach to building academic success, persistence, graduation and transfer for Three Rivers students.
Commencement will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at the Black River Coliseum. Karon Campbell of Tasteful Creations will serve as this year's keynote speaker. Campbell was recently chosen as the 2018 Distinguished Alumni for Three Rivers College.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held at noon on Wednesday, June 20 at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center Board Room on TRC's Poplar Bluff campus.