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February 06, 2021

Municipal and school district audits issued during the week ending February 5, 2021

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced the following municipal and school district audits were issued during the week ending February 5, 2021.

Click on the text highlighted in color to access the complete audit report

 MUNICIPAL AUDITS

Town of Owasco – Real Property Tax Exemptions Administration (Cayuga County)  

The assessor did not properly administer select real property tax exemptions. Granted property exemptions were not always properly applied for or supported. Of the 99 property tax exemptions that auditors reviewed, 75 of the exemptions totaling over $4.1 million were not properly applied for or supported. Property owners received $4,014 in 2019 town tax reductions for these unsupported exemptions.

 

Stamford-Harpersfield-Kortright Fire District – Financial Activities (Delaware County)  

The board did not establish adequate controls or provide adequate fiscal oversight of the treasurer. As a result, district assets were not safeguarded. The board did not adequately monitor fiscal operations and properly document disbursement approvals. The board also did not conduct required audits or adopt a procurement policy, investment policy or code of ethics, as required. Although the treasurer’s financial records and reports that auditors reviewed were accurate, and financial transactions were appropriate and properly accounted for, the treasurer performed all financial duties, including receiving and disbursing cash, signing district checks and maintaining the accounting records, with no oversight.

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT AUDITS

Groton Central School District – Cash Management (Cayuga County, Cortland County and Tompkins County)

School district officials did not maximize interest earnings. During the audit period, the district’s interest earnings totaled $72,555, but the district could have earned another $367,963 if officials invested available funds in a financial institution that offered higher interest rates. Business officials did not develop and manage a comprehensive investment program or comply with the district’s board of education’s investment policy. District officials should solicit interest rate quotes to maximize interest earnings and prepare monthly cash flow forecasts.

 

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NYPPL Blogger Harvey Randall served as Principal Attorney, New York State Department of Civil Service; Director of Personnel, SUNY Central Administration; Director of Research, Governor’s Office of Employee Relations; and Staff Judge Advocate General, New York Guard. Consistent with the Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations, the material posted to this blog is presented with the understanding that neither the publisher nor NYPPL and, or, its staff and contributors are providing legal advice to the reader and in the event legal or other expert assistance is needed, the reader is urged to seek such advice from a knowledgeable professional.
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