Town of Danby – Town Clerk (2022M-08)

Issued Date
May 20, 2022

[read complete report - pdf]

Audit Objective

Determine whether the Town of Danby (Town) Clerk recorded, deposited, remitted and reported collections in a timely and accurate manner.

Key Findings

Tax collections were missing and not deposited timely or intact and were not remitted to appropriate parties in a timely manner. Although the Clerks reported the Clerk fees that were recorded, they did not properly deposit and remit all collections to the appropriate parties in a timely and accurate manner.

The Clerks:

  • Did not identify tax collection account errors totaling $64,959 and could not account for approximately $1,000 in cash from tax collections.
  • Did not maintain adequate supporting documentation for collections.
  • Did not complete monthly bank reconciliations and accountabilities.

The Board did not perform an annual audit of the Clerk’s records.

Key Recommendations

  • Make intact and timely deposits.
  • Secure collections prior to being deposited.
  • Maintain all records, books and papers including the duplicate cash receipts and required source documents.
  • Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and accountabilities.
  • Perform, or obtain, an annual audit of the Clerk’s records.

Town officials generally agreed with our findings and indicated they plan to initiate corrective action.