Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to determine whether County officials have established appropriate controls to safeguard and account for court and trust funds for the period January 1, 2013 through January 1, 2014.

Background

County officials are responsible for safeguarding court and trust funds in their care. Pursuant to a court order, certain assets may be provided to the court and then delivered to the County Treasurer for safekeeping, such as surplus moneys from foreclosures. Also, in certain circumstances, funds from estates are entrusted to the Treasurer for safekeeping by order of the Surrogate’s Court.

Key Findings

• The County Clerk did not maintain up-to-date court and trust fund records.
• The County Commissioner of Finance did not report the condition of all court and trust funds to the State Comptroller.

Key Recommendations

• Maintain an up-to-date court and trust fund register as required by law.
• Prepare and submit the annual report showing all court and trust moneys.