New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of the Town of Carroll, Cortlandville Fire Department, Town of Milford, Raquette Lake Fire District No. 3 and West Sand Lake Fire District No. 1.

“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.”

Town of Carroll – Internal Controls Over Selected Financial Activities (Chautauqua County)

The town supervisor did not ensure the bookkeeper accurately maintained the town’s accounting records. As a result, the town’s accounting records were incomplete and inaccurate. In addition, the town justices did not provide adequate oversight of their court operations or the work performed by the court clerks.

Cortlandville Fire Department – Internal Controls Over Financial Operations (Cortland County)

The board did not implement adequate controls over the department’s financial activities, develop adequate policies and procedures, or adopt a code of ethics. As a result, the treasurer and lottery account clerk perform all their financial duties with little oversight. There was also no evidence that the board consistently reported the results of monthly audits to department members.

Town of Milford – Financial Condition (Otsego County)

The town board adopted budgets that were not financed by sufficient recurring revenues. As a result, there were consistent operating deficits because expenditures exceeded revenues and the town’s fund balance was depleted. In addition, the town board did not develop a multiyear financial plan.

Raquette Lake Fire District No. 3 – Internal Controls Over Financial Operations (Hamilton County)

The treasurer’s monthly reports to the board are not accompanied by bank statements or bank reconciliations, which prevents the board from knowing the amount of cash on hand and that the bank balance reconciles to the cash balance. Also, the treasurer has consistently failed to file an annual financial report with the Office of the State Comptroller.

West Sand Lake Fire District No. 1 – Internal Controls Over Financial Operations (Rensselaer County)

The district board provides adequate oversight of district financial activities. The board has adopted policies addressing ethics, procurement, travel and credit card use and the treasurer provides the board with monthly financial reports including cash balance and budget status reports. In addition, the treasurer has submitted required annual financial reports to the Office of the State Comptroller in a timely manner.

For access to state and local government spending and nearly 50,000 state contracts, visit http://www.openbooknewyork.com. 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.