New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of the Schuyler Heights Fire District, Village of Voorheesville, Willsboro Fire District and the Town of Wilson.

“In today’s fiscal climate, budget transparency and accountability for our local communities is a top priority,” said DiNapoli. “By auditing municipal finances and operations, my office continues to provide taxpayers the assurance that their money is being spent appropriately and effectively.”

Schuyler Heights Fire District – Controls Over Claims Processing (Albany County)

Except for some minor exceptions, the claims reviewed were adequately supported and were for proper district purposes. However, the board’s failure to adequately audit claims and approve the abstract prior to the treasurer making payment on the claims creates a deficiency in the district’s internal controls over claims processing.

Village of Voorheesville – Claims Processing (Albany County)

Generally, the village’s internal controls over claims processing were adequate to ensure claims were for appropriate purposes, adequately supported and properly audited and approved.

Willsboro Fire District – Controls Over Financial Activities (Essex County)

The treasurer does not maintain running cash balances in the check book registers, maintain accounting records with cash accounts and subsidiary revenue and expenditure accounts or reconcile bank balances to book balances. The last annual financial report that was filed with the Office of the State Comptroller was for the 2010 fiscal year, which was filed in October 2013, more than two years late.

Town of Wilson – Purchasing (Niagara County)

The board did not ensure that the highway superintendent complied with competitive bidding requirements or the town’s procurement policy when making purchases. The superintendent did not consistently solicit written quotes or competitive bids as required, or attach appropriate supporting documentation to claims.