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
School District | 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 | 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 | Employee Benefits

August 6, 2021 –

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

School District | Employee Benefits

August 6, 2021 –

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

School District | Other

July 30, 2021 –

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

School District | Transportation

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.

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 | Other

July 30, 2021 –

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

School District | Information Technology

July 23, 2021 –

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

Justice Court, Town | Justice Court

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 | Utilities

July 23, 2021 –

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

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.

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.

Town | Records and Reports, Other

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.

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.

City, Industrial Development Agency | Other

July 16, 2021 –

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

Fire District | Financial Condition

July 16, 2021 –

The Board did not effectively manage the District's financial condition and presented budgets that gave taxpayers the impression that the District needed to both increase real property taxes and use appropriated fund balance to close projected budget gaps. As a result, more real property taxes were levied than needed to fund operations.

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.

Village | Cash Disbursements

July 9, 2021 –

The Village's check signing process does not comply with Village policy. The Village Treasurer (Treasurer) did not maintain control of her electronic signature.

Fire District | Purchasing

July 9, 2021 –

District officials did not solicit competition for professional services.