Todd Langlois was the city's first auditor general, but was fired last week after nine months on the job. (CBC News)

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis says it will be a few more weeks before council decides what to do with the now-vacant auditor general's position.

Todd Langlois was fired for what sources say were complaints about his behaviour and his failure to carry out his duties. He held the job for nine months.

Francis said Windsor will study outsourcing the audit work, as London has done.

"City council's desire to take the next steps, I think, will be articulated in the next couple weeks in a report, whereby city council will be issuing a [request for proposal]," Francis said.

The mayor said London has "a very successful model."

Windsor has struggled for years to implement an auditor's position. Langlois marked the city's third auditor in eight years.

Windsor began toying with the idea of an auditor's position after it was caught in a $300-million financial leasing scandal with MFP.

The scandal was so big and far-reaching — it had ties in the cities of Waterloo and Toronto, too — the provincial government passed legislation that allowed municipalities to hire auditor generals.

Three auditors in eight years

But rather than create an auditor general's position in 2004, the city hired a lead auditor, which didn't work independent of staff and council.

Mike Dunbar was the first but he quit in 2007 citing the inability to access information.

The position was next filled by acting city auditor Angela Berry. But she quit in April 2011, charging the city with harassment under the violence in the workplace legislation.

Around the same time, council approved money for the auditor general's position, which eventually came with enhanced powers to access information.

Langlois was the first full-time, independent auditor general hired by the city.

Councillor Alan Halberstadt insists the city needs an auditor general. (CBC News)

"It hasn't been a nice journey," said Coun. Alan Halberstadt, a former member of the audit committee and the only councillor who didn't vote to fire Langlois.

Halberstadt insists the city needs an auditor general who works independently from staff or council.

He has thoughts on why not everyone thinks an auditor general is a good idea.

"I think there can be an argument made that some municipalities don’t want to be made to look bad," he said before laughing.

So, in the wake of the most recent firing, who is watching Windsor's money now?

"I guess it’s a sort of 'trust us' type of thing," Halberstadt said.

That's not ideal, according to Halberstadt.

"We’re far from perfect," he said. "I think we need a watch dog there."