Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to review the Agency’s process for evaluating, approving and monitoring projects for the period January 1, 2013 through October 8, 2014.

Background

The Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency is an independent public corporation whose purpose is to promote, develop and assist industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, commercial, research and recreation facilities. The Agency is governed by a seven-member Board which is appointed by the Cattaraugus County Legislature. According to its annual report and meeting minutes, the Agency had 34 active projects with more than $227 million in total projected capital investments.

Key Findings

• Agency officials do not verify the investment and job information provided when businesses apply for financial assistance.
• Agency officials have not established adequate cost-benefit analysis procedures.
• Agency officials do not adequately monitor ongoing project activity.

Key Recommendations

• Establish policies and procedures critical to project evaluation.
• Develop cost-benefit analysis ratios that provide reasonable project measurement.
• Develop procedures to ensure that businesses’ annually reported data is evaluated to properly monitor performance and take appropriate action if performance is less than anticipated or required information is not received.