New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today the following audits have been issued:

Metropolitan Transportation Authority: Access-A-Ride (AAR) Accident Claims (Follow-Up) (2015-F-27)

An initial report determined that between 2008 and 2012 the overall demand for AAR service increased, but the portion of the service provided by traditional carriers decreased with reliance on black car services and taxis increasing. Auditors found AAR and the carriers were generally in compliance with federal motor carrier standards, but noted there was an unquantified liability risk associated with black car services and taxis that was expanding and was not being tracked. In a follow-up, auditors found transit officials made some progress in correcting the problems identified in the first audit.

State Education Department (SED): Center for Disability Services (CFDDS), Compliance with the Reimbursable Cost Manual (2015-S-40)

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2013, auditors identified $81,581 in costs for Albany-based CFDDS that were not in compliance with SED’s requirements, including: $64,954 in personal service costs that consisted of ineligible bonuses and executive compensation above the allowed regional median; and $16,627 in non-personal service costs that were either not supported by proper documentation, not allowable, or not related to the programs.

State Education Department: Crossroads Center for Children Compliance with the Reimbursable Cost Manual (2015-S-87)

For the year ended June 30, 2014, auditors identified $14,297 in non-personal service costs that were charged to the preschool special education programs by Schenectady-based Crossroads that did not comply with SED’s requirements. The costs included $11,111 for iPads, software, laptops, and various curriculum materials that were purchased with private grant funds; $2,281 for non-audit services that were performed by the same CPA firm that Crossroads contracted with for their annual audit; and $905 in non-reimbursable costs for travel, gifts and clothing for staff.

State Education Department: Helping Hands School Compliance with the Reimbursable Cost Manual (2015-S-90)

Based on a review of a sample of transactions, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, auditors concluded that Helping Hands generally complied with SED rules for reimbursement. Auditors identified no deficiencies in Helping Hand's reporting of personal service costs.

Workers' Compensation Board: 2015 Year End Report

Auditors identified and prevented 206 incorrect payment requests for workers’ compensation and medical benefits totaling $1.85 million during calendar year 2015. In addition, auditors identified 417 duplicate claims totaling $1.6 million paid between Jan. 1, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2015.