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.  One of these employees worked at the College at Brockport (College) and had travel expenses among the highest in the State.  The employee’s travel costs totaled $143,258.

Key Findings

We found that the employee’s travel expenses were documented and adhered to State travel rules and regulations. This employee was an athletic coach who was responsible for team travel expenses associated with in-state and out-of-state sporting events, including transportation, meals and lodging. This coach 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)