FOR RELEASE:

DiNapoli's Office Completes Municipal Audits

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed the audits of Paul Smiths-Gabriels Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. - Internal Controls Over Cash Receipts and Disbursements, and Village of Endicott - Budget Review.

“My office’s audits of local governments improve their financial management practices,” DiNapoli said. “These audits are tools for local officials to make sure proper policies and procedures are in place to protect taxpayer dollars and provide the best possible service these taxpayer dollars can deliver.”

Paul Smiths-Gabriels Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. - Internal Controls Over Cash Receipts and Disbursements
Auditors found that the department had very weak financial controls. The board had not established policies and procedures governing the treasurer’s financial activities or for processing claims. The finance committee did not audit the treasurer’s records and the board did not properly audit claims prior to payment to ensure they represent proper department charges. In addition, internal controls over cash receipts and disbursements were not appropriately designed or operating effectively. Auditors found payments that were not supported by invoices and overpayments that resulted from poor oversight over disbursements. Also, the treasurer did not maintain adequate and up-to-date cash records (including bank reconciliations), deposit collections in a timely manner and prepare monthly financial reports for the board.

Village of Endicott - Budget Review
Auditors found that the significant revenue and expenditure estimates in the proposed budget appear reasonable. However, because the estimated revenues of the water and sewer funds include proposed rate increases of 8 percent and 30 percent, respectively, auditors cautioned village officials to put these rate increases into effect at the beginning of the fiscal year to help ensure that the water and sewer funds are able to realize these revenue projections.

Click here to view the audits above. If you have any questions or would like a comment from the Comptroller’s office regarding these audits, please call 518-474-4015.

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