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NEWS from the Office of the New York State Comptroller
Contact: Press Office 518-474-4015

Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Municipal Audits

May 6, 2015

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of Delaware County, Fulton County Industrial Development Agency, Village of Medina, Village of Nissequogue, City of Poughkeepsie and the Sir William Johnson Volunteer Fire Company.

“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.”

Delaware County – Vehicle Usage and Disposal (2014M-258)

County officials did not perform cost-benefit analyses to support the after-hours locations of vehicles. None of the six departments reviewed adequately monitored vehicle usage.

Fulton County Industrial Development Agency – PILOT Program (2014M-291)

Seven of the eight payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements that were active during the audit period did not have a recapture clause to recover benefits from the businesses if they did not meet their projected goals.

Village of Medina – Ambulance Service Billings (Orleans County)

The village board did not adequately monitor ambulance billings and amounts collected. Additionally, the village did not send invoices to the three towns for unpaid ambulance bills and administrative billing fees. As a result, the village is owed more than $1 million for ambulance services.

Village of Nissequogue – Information Technology (Suffolk County)

Village officials have not designated an IT administrator who is independent of the financial recordkeeping. In addition, the board has not developed written policies and procedures, including those for acceptable computer use, password security, data backups and disaster recovery.

City of Poughkeepsie – Audit Follow-Up (Dutchess County)

Of the seven previous audit recommendations, three recommendations were fully implemented and three recommendations were partially implemented. One recommendation was not implemented. For example, the city has taken steps to reduce the deficit in the general fund and developed a comprehensive plan to reduce outstanding debt.

Sir William Johnson Volunteer Fire Company – Controls Over Financial Activities (Fulton County)

Neither the former nor the acting treasurer maintained accurate, complete and up-to-date accounting records. Additionally, neither treasurer consistently performed monthly bank reconciliations or provided the board with monthly and annual financial reports.

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For access to state and local government spending and 50,000 state contracts, visit OpenBookNY. 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.