New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of the Town of Burke, Town of Deerpark, City of Newburgh and Rockland County.

“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 Burke – Fiscal Oversight (Franklin County)

The board did not adequately oversee the town’s financial operations. The supervisor did not provide the board with adequate monthly financial reports. In addition, the board did not have adequate procedures for auditing claims. Consequently, the board did not audit and approve claims in accordance with town law for 20 of the 100 check disbursements totaling $9,625 that were reviewed. The board also did not ensure that town officials filed the required information with the New York State Office of General Services to receive state contract pricing for diesel and heating fuel purchases.

Town of Deerpark – Budget Review (Orange County)

The significant revenue and expenditure projections in the proposed budget are reasonable. The town’s proposed budget complies with the property tax levy limit.

City of Newburgh – Budget Review (Orange County)

The city continues to rely on one-time revenue from the sale of real property which, if not sold, will cause a revenue shortfall of $230,000. The city has budgeted minimal amounts for contingencies, which provides limited flexibility to address revenue shortfalls or unforeseen expenditures. The city’s proposed budget complies with the tax levy limit.

Rockland County – Budget Review (B6-16-19)

The county does not have a plan for reducing the general fund’s outstanding deficit. The 2017 proposed budget does not include potential increased salary costs that may result from employee contract settlements currently in negotiation. The county’s proposed 2017 budget complies with the tax levy limit.

For access to state and local government spending and 50,000 state contracts, visit OpenBookNY. 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.