Purpose

To determine whether the use of travel monies by selected government employees complied with rules and regulations and is free from fraud, waste, and abuse.  The audit covers the period April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2011.

Background

New York State’s executive agencies spend between $100 million and $150 million each year on travel expenses.  These expenses, which are discretionary and under the control of agency management, include car rentals, meals, lodging, transportation, fuel, and incidental costs such as airline baggage and travel agency fees.  As part of a statewide initiative to determine whether the use of travel money by selected government employees was appropriate, we audited travel expenses for the highest-cost travelers in the State as well as other outliers. These employees incurred over $100,000 in travel expenses during the three year period ending March 31, 2011. Five of these employees worked at SUNY Cortland and had travel costs totaling $696,909.

Key Findings

The travel expenses for the five College employees selected for audit were documented and adhered to State travel rules and regulations.  All five employees are athletic coaches who were responsible for team travel expenses associated with in-state and out-of-state sporting events, including transportation, meals and lodging.  Some of the coaches also incurred expenses for recruiting trips.

Key Recommendations

None

Other Related Audits/Reports of Interest

State University of New York College at Cobleskill – Selected Employee Travel Expenses (2012-S-143)
State University of New York College at Oneonta – Selected Employee Travel Expenses (2012-S-145)