Laserfiche WebLink
November 10, 2006 <br /> City of Pequot Lakes <br /> Page 6 <br /> Arbitration <br /> If any Dispute has not been resolved within ninety(90) days after the written mediation notice, the mediation <br /> shall terminate and the Dispute will be settled by arbitration. The arbitration will be conducted in accordance <br /> with the procedures in this document and the Arbitration Rules of the Dispute Resolution Rules for <br /> Professional Accounting and Related Services Disputes of the American Arbitration Association, except <br /> where this agreement differs. <br /> The arbitration will be conducted in Brainerd, Minnesota before a panel of three (3) neutral arbitrators, <br /> regardless of the size or amount of the Dispute. <br /> Any issue concerning the extent to which any Dispute is subject to arbitration, or concerning the applicability, <br /> interpretation, or enforceability of these procedures, including any contention that all or part of these <br /> procedures are invalid or unenforceable, shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act and resolved by the <br /> arbitrators. <br /> Time limitation <br /> The nature of our services makes it difficult, with the passage of time, to gather and present evidence that <br /> fully and fairly establishes the facts underlying any Dispute. We both agree that, notwithstanding any statute <br /> or law of limitations that might otherwise apply to a Dispute, any action or legal proceeding by you against us <br /> must be commenced within twenty-four(24)months ("Limitation Period") after the date when we deliver our <br /> final audit report under this agreement to you, regardless of whether we do other services for you relating to <br /> the audit report, or you shall be forever barred from commencing a lawsuit or obtaining any legal or equitable <br /> relief or recovery. <br /> The Limitation Period applies and begins to run even if you have not suffered any damage or loss, or have not <br /> become aware of the existence or possible existence of a Dispute. <br /> Fees <br /> We estimate that our fees for the audit will be $18,905. This fee represents a$1,405 increase from last year's <br /> audit fee. The increase is a result of a 3% inflationary increase ($525), additional procedures for SAS 103 <br /> ($440), and additional procedures for SAS 112 ($440). You will also be billed for travel and other out-of- <br /> pocket costs such as report production, word processing, postage, copies, telephone, etc. The fee estimate is <br /> based on anticipated cooperation from your personnel and their assistance with preparing confirmations and <br /> requested schedules. If unexpected circumstances require significant additional time, we will provide detailed <br /> billing information and explanations of additional charges. In addition, you will be billed for any"non-audit" <br /> services or consultations at 80% of our standard hourly rates. Our invoices for these fees will be rendered <br /> each month as work progresses and are payable on presentation. In accordance with our firm policies, work <br /> may be suspended if your account becomes 60 days or more overdue and will not be resumed until your <br /> account is paid in full. If we elect to terminate our services for nonpayment, our engagement will be deemed <br /> to have been completed upon written notification of termination, even if we have not completed our report. <br /> You will be obligated to compensate us for all time expended and to reimburse us for all out-of-pocket costs <br /> through the date of termination. <br />