#USA #Disaster Recovery #West Virginia #HORNE #Ridgeland, Mississippi

HORNE Resolves Contractual Dispute with West Virginia

In a significant development, HORNE, a professional services firm, has successfully settled a long-standing contractual dispute with the state of West Virginia. This dispute originated from a minor percentage of a 2018 invoice connected to data management services provided for the RISE West Virginia Disaster Recovery Housing Program. Amidst internal procurement issues, the state shifted the program's management to volunteer organizations, which complicated the payment process for HORNE's professional services.

The West Virginia Department of Commerce, along with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other relevant agencies, acknowledged the discrepancies in their procurement process. Before invoicing, all parties had agreed upon payment terms, emphasizing that HORNE's invoice reflected fair compensation based on the established agreement. Rusty Butcher, CEO and Managing Partner of HORNE, expressed confidence in the value delivered to the state and maintained that the data invoice was appropriate considering its approval by all stakeholders in 2018.

Butcher stated, "After reviewing the cost of litigation, we determined settling this dispute is the right business decision." This strategic approach not only hinders any further contractual claims related to this matter but also preserves the professional relationship between HORNE and the state agencies involved.

HORNE, founded on a foundation of public accounting, boasts a workforce of over 1,500 professionals serving various clients across 48 states and multiple office locations, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. The firm is recognized for its anticipatory advice and solutions that empower clients to find opportunities amidst change.

In recent times, HORNE has also made headlines for its philanthropic initiatives, notably its substantial contributions to hurricane relief efforts. This reinforces the firm's commitment to not only its business operations but also to the community welfare.

With this settlement, HORNE can now refocus on expanding its services and maintaining its integrity in public service contracts, signaling a commitment to future engagements that uphold professionalism and transparency. As the state of West Virginia continues to navigate its recovery efforts, HORNE's role remains pivotal, demonstrating a model of effective collaboration between private sector firms and government agencies.

In a nutshell, HORNE’s resolution of this contract dispute is an essential case study in how companies can navigate complex governmental relationships while ensuring that they are compensated fairly for their contributions to significant state programs. As they advance, HORNE remains prepared to adapt to changing circumstances in public service, reinforcing its position as a leader in the professional services sector.