New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of Glenham Fire District, Hudson Valley Community College, Town of Kingsbury, Village of Monticello, Pearl River Fire District and the Village of Sleepy Hollow.

"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."

Glenham Fire District – Claims Processing (Dutchess County)

Auditors reviewed 70 check disbursements and corresponding claims totaling $517,140 and found that 19 claims totaling $32,320 were cashed prior to board approval. Auditors also found four claims totaling $2,267 that did not have sufficient supporting documentation. These claims were for purchases at a local delicatessen and a repair shop and two credit card payments.

Hudson Valley Community College – Tuition and Fees (Rensselaer County)

College officials ensured that tuition and fees were properly billed, collected, recorded and refunded. However, auditors identified weaknesses in the college’s use of a computerized program to maintain records of tuition and fee billings and collections. Employees were using one computer account to process parking decals and not retaining information related to deleted receipts.

Town of Kingsbury – Water Fees (Washington County)

Except for minor discrepancies that were discussed with town officials, water customers were billed at the correct rates and the payments were properly collected, recorded and deposited timely and intact.

Village of Monticello – Board Oversight (Sullivan County)

Board members and village officials did not perform many of the duties of their positions which resulted in significant village-wide dysfunction. Officials have not addressed the repeated deficiencies to previous audit findings. Village departments are operating without sufficient oversight or clear guidance and significant errors occurred in key business functions.

Pearl River Fire District – Purchasing (Rockland County)

District officials were unable to provide evidence that they obtained quotes for eight of the 27 purchases reviewed by auditors. In addition, district personnel did not solicit competition for seven of the 11 professional service providers that were reviewed.

Village of Sleepy Hollow – Parking Ticket Collections (Westchester County)

The clerks deposited receipts for fines collected intact and in a timely manner. However, village officials have not established sufficient procedures for collecting unpaid parking violation fines or set a benchmark for collection rates.

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