New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced the following local government audits were issued.

Brighton Fire Department, Inc. – Board Oversight of Financial Operations (Monroe County)

The board did not provide adequate oversight of financial operations. The department lacked detailed financial procedures and the board did not enforce compliance with existing bylaw and policy provisions. They also did not present the statutorily-required annual directors’ report or any interim financial information to the membership. Of 220 disbursements reviewed totaling $545,658, 155 (70 percent) totaling $190,160 did not have documented approval and 93 (42 percent) totaling $92,605 did not have adequate supporting documentation.

Brighton Fire District – Non-Payroll Disbursements (Monroe County)

District officials did not ensure non-payroll disbursements were properly procured, approved or adequately supported. Of 97 disbursements tested totaling $1.13 million, seven disbursements totaling $568,648 lacked adequate documentation. Of 19 professional service providers paid $769,931 in 2019, officials did not seek competition or provide documentation that competition was sought for 11 totaling $133,567. The district may have saved about $7,100 for meals and lodging if the United States General Service Administration per diem rates were used. The financial software allowed changes to transaction data without approval and officials did not use available software controls to further safeguard transactions.

Town of Marcy – Justice Court Operations (Oneida County)

The justices generally provided adequate oversight of court financial activities and ensured collections were deposited timely and intact and were properly reported and remitted. However, the justices did not document their review of the clerk’s monthly bank reconciliations and accountabilities. They did not ensure the court clerk properly handled or made reasonable efforts to collect payment on 12 pending traffic tickets (30 percent) of 40 tickets tested. The justices also did not ensure the court was using the most up-to-date and secure recordkeeping software.

Town of Milo – Financial Condition (Yates County)

The board did not effectively manage the town’s financial condition. More real property taxes and user fees were levied than needed to fund operations. The board did also not adopt realistic budgets for each of its funds from 2017 through 2020, multiyear financial and capital plans or the following policies in fund balance, reserve and budgeting. As of December 31, 2020, the general, highway and water funds unrestricted fund balances were excessive, ranging from 97 percent to 178 percent of 2020 expenditures.

Town of New Windsor – Information Technology (Orange County)

Town officials did not ensure information technology systems were adequately secured and protected against unauthorized use, access and loss. Officials did not provide employees with cybersecurity training. They did not have a disaster recovery plan. In addition, officials did not ensure online banking agreements comply with New York State General Municipal Law. Sensitive IT control weaknesses were communicated confidentially to officials.

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