Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to determine whether the County procured goods and services in accordance with its procurement policy and statutory requirements for the period January 1, 2016 through May 31, 2017.

Background

Washington County is located in the eastern part of New York State and has a population of approximately 63,000. The County is governed by a Board of Supervisors, which is comprised of the town supervisors from each of the County's 17 towns. Budgeted appropriations for 2017 totaled approximately $113.4 million.

Key Findings

• The County did not competitively bid six purchases and public works contracts totaling $272,115.
• The County did not obtain the required number of quotes or perform competitive bidding for 16 purchases totaling $154,083 and did not seek competition for nine professional service contracts totaling $1,055,270.

Key Recommendations

• Ensure that the procurement policy and competitive bidding laws are adhered to when purchasing goods or entering public works contracts.
• Ensure that County officials and employees adequately document actions taken when soliciting bids and quotes and retain documentation including other local government contracts when used.