New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of the Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority and the Town of Stockton.

“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.” 

Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. – Controls Over Financial Operations (Saratoga County)

The company’s audit committee did not audit the bills or review the treasurer’s records. There was no review of bank statements, canceled checks or bank reconciliations. Furthermore, the audit committee includes the treasurer which negates the internal controls intended by having an oversight committee monitor the treasurer’s work.

Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority – Payroll (Schenectady County)

Authority officials have designed and implemented appropriate procedures establishing employee salary rate schedules. Individuals paid through the payroll process were paid at the board-established pay rates and employees were paid the salaries and wages to which they were entitled.

Town of Stockton – Financial Management (Chautauqua County)

The board did not adopt a financial management policy and town officials have not developed procedures to address the level of unexpended surplus funds to be maintained. As a result, the town’s general town-wide and highway town-wide unexpended surplus funds have increased to levels which are excessive in comparison with the town’s expenditures for those funds.

For access to state and local government spending and nearly 50,000 state contracts, visit http://www.openbooknewyork.com/. The easy-to-use website was created by Comptroller DiNapoli to promote openness in government and provide taxpayers with better access to the financial workings of government.