Audits of Local Governments & Schools

The Office of the New York State Comptroller’s Division of Local Government and School Accountability conducts performance audits of local governments and school districts. Performance audits provide findings or conclusions based on an evaluation of evidence against criteria. Local officials use audit findings to improve program performance and operations, reduce costs and contribute to public accountability.

For audits older than 2013, contact us at [email protected].

For audits of State and NYC agencies and public authorities, see Audits.

Topics
City | Payroll/Employee Benefits

August 27, 2021 –

Two OSC audits issued in 2010 found NC employees received benefits inconsistent with Council approvals. Most of the prior control weaknesses remain and the Council still has not established specific leave benefits of NC employees. As a result, we found inaccuracies in NC employees' accrued leave and leave payments made.

School District | Information Technology

August 20, 2021 –

District officials did not establish adequate internal controls to safeguard the District's user accounts.

Town |

August 20, 2021 –

The Town's bookkeeper maintained adequate records and the accounting records we reviewed were accurate and complete but the Supervisor did not prepare and submit appropriate reports or provide sufficient oversight of the bookkeeper.

School District |

August 20, 2021 –

The District did not claim any Medicaid reimbursements to which it was entitled.

School District | Information Technology

August 20, 2021 –

Officials did not establish adequate controls over the District's user accounts to prevent unauthorized use, access and loss.

School District | Financial Condition

August 13, 2021 –

The Board and District officials did not properly manage fund balance in accordance with statute.

Town | Financial Condition, Purchasing

August 13, 2021 –

The Board did not effectively manage fund balance and reserve levels, establish multiyear plans or ensure the proper procurement of professional services and playground equipment.

School District | Payroll/Employee Benefits

August 13, 2021 –

While the District's payroll payments were paid at accurate rates, payroll payments were not always properly supported and approved, and leave time accruals were not always accurate. Further, District officials did not properly monitor the payroll and leave accrual process and they have not developed any payroll policies or procedures.

Town | Clerks

August 13, 2021 –

Although the Clerk recorded, deposited, remitted and reported all tax collections, she did not always record dates of receipts or deposit or remit payments timely.

Town | Cash Disbursements, Claims Auditing

August 6, 2021 –

Town officials used debit cards to make purchases which resulted in a circumvention of the Town's disbursement controls and the Board did not audit all claims before payment. In addition, Town officials allowed the payroll service provider to electronically withdraw its service fees directly from the town-wide general fund checking account.

School District | Payroll/Employee Benefits

August 6, 2021 –

District officials generally paid employees' salaries and wages accurately, but did not establish adequate controls over payroll.

School District | Payroll/Employee Benefits

August 6, 2021 –

District officials generally paid employees' salaries and wages accurately, but did not establish adequate controls over payroll.

BOCES | Inventories

July 30, 2021 –

BOCES officials did not properly monitor and account for 66 percent of the 76 fixed assets we examined, including security cameras, computers, tools and equipment.

Local Development Corporation |

July 30, 2021 –

Corporation officials did not provide adequate approval and oversight of the revolving loan program.

School District |

July 30, 2021 –

District officials did not apply for all applicable transportation aid in a timely manner and were at risk of losing $20,513 for new bus acquisitions.

School District |

July 30, 2021 –

Three Board members had prohibited interests in contracts that the District awarded totaling more than $22 million.

Justice Court, Town |

July 23, 2021 –

Town officials established and implemented adequate procedures to ensure the Court fines and fees we reviewed were properly collected, deposited, disbursed and reported in an accurate and timely manner.

Village |

July 23, 2021 –

The Board did not provide adequate oversight of the Treasurer's financial operations.

School District | Information Technology

July 23, 2021 –

District officials did not establish adequate controls over network user accounts and settings.

School District | Cash Disbursements

July 16, 2021 –

The Board did not ensure that non-payroll disbursements were appropriately procured, properly audited and approved, adequately supported and for valid District purposes.

Fire District | Purchasing

July 16, 2021 –

District officials did not always use a competitive process to procure goods, services or professional services or ensure no conflicts of interest existed.

School District | Information Technology

July 16, 2021 –

District officials did not establish adequate controls over the District's user accounts to prevent unauthorized use, access and/or loss.

City, Industrial Development Agency |

July 16, 2021 –

The Board and officials did not properly approve and monitor projects or take action when goals were not met.

Town | Records and Reports

July 16, 2021 –

The Supervisor did not maintain complete, accurate and timely financial records and reports, and the Board did not ensure there were no prohibited conflicts of interest.

Village | Financial Condition

July 16, 2021 –

The Board did not provide appropriate oversight and management of budgets and fund balance, or ensure annual audits were completed. More real property taxes were assessed than necessary to fund operations each year.