Empire State Development Corp. (ESD), the entity in charge of doling out millions of dollars in tax credits to companies that pledge to expand in New York state, could not verify that many of the companies participating in the Excelsior Jobs Program met their obligations or even justify giving the businesses tax breaks in the first place, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P.

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

New York State Comptroller Thomas P.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced the arrest of Bradford Volunteer Fire Company Treasurer Sherry Hamilton. She was charged with grand larceny in the third degree, a class D felony, after an audit and investigation by DiNapoli’s office, working with the New York State Police and Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker, uncovered that Hamilton misappropriated more than $8,000 in fire company funds by allegedly taking “advance” payments on company activities and manipulating company bank accounts and records.

United HealthCare and Amerigroup, managed care organizations (MCOs) that contract with the Department of Health (DOH) to provide health services under the state’s Medicaid program, made at least $6.6 million in improper and questionable payments to ineligible providers over a four-year period, including almost $60,000 in payments to pharmacies for medications that were prescribed by deceased doctors, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Property tax levy growth for local governments will be capped at 0.68 percent for 2017, decreasing slightly from 2016, when it was 0.73 percent, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The latest inflation figure affects the tax cap calculations for local governments that operate on a calendar-based fiscal year (Jan 1. – Dec. 31) – which includes all counties, towns, fire districts, 44 cities and 10 villages. 

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of the 

New York State Comptroller DiNapoli today released an economic profile of the Mid-Hudson region. The region’s proximity to New York City and quality transportation systems continue to drive economic activity, but the high costs of housing and doing business could impede future growth.