[Prior audit fee studies have examined the private sector audit market. This research extends prior research by developing a model of audit fees for municipalities. Many of the determinants used in this model are based on (or extensions of) determinants used in private sector audit fee models. Empirical tests using regression analysis indicate a significant portion of the variance in municipal audit fees is explained by the model. Using a framework adopted from Simunic [1980] for analyzing private sector audit markets, statistical results suggest that the municipal audit market is competitive.]

Prior audit fee studies have examined the private sector audit market. This research extends prior research by developing a model of audit fees for municipalities. Many of the determinants used in this model are based on (or extensions of) determinants used in private sector audit fee models. Empirical tests using regression analysis indicate a significant portion of the variance in municipal audit fees is explained by the model. Using a framework adopted from Simunic [1980] for analyzing private sector audit markets, statistical results suggest that the municipal audit market is competitive.

Reviews the book `Private Sector Performance Measures and Their Applicability to Government Operations,' by David J. Harr and James T. Godfrey.