Main Banner

NEWS from the Office of the New York State Comptroller
Contact: Press Office 518-474-4015

Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Municipal Audits

March 18, 2015

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of the Village of Franklinville, Town of Jefferson, City of Olean and the Walworth-Seely Public Library.

“In today’s fiscal climate, budget transparency and accountability for our local communities is a top priority,”said DiNapoli. “By auditing municipal finances and operations, my office continues to provide taxpayers the assurance that their money is being spent appropriately and effectively.”

Village of Franklinville – Police Payroll and Water Accountability (Cattaraugus County)

Department payroll payments were not adequately supported and leave time was not properly accrued. More than $6,000 of overtime paid to the chief and a patrolman was not adequately supported by appropriate time sheets. Two full-time officers were improperly credited with leave time valued at more than $12,000. In addition, only 27 percent of water produced by the village’s water system was billed to customers.

Town of Jefferson – Selected Financial Operations (Schoharie County)

The board and supervisor did not ensure that all disbursements were for town purposes and that all water rents were properly received and deposited. Beginning in February 2014, the supervisor hired a bookkeeping company to maintain the town’s financial records. The board now receives current and accurate information to more effectively make decisions and manage town operations.

City of Olean – Budget Review (Cattaraugus County)

The significant revenue and expenditure projections in the proposed budget are reasonable. The city has made progress in improving its financial condition. However, the general fund budget does not include an interest payment of $56,708 due on a bond anticipation note. The proposed budget complies with the property tax levy limit.

Walworth-Seely Public Library – Board Oversight (Wayne County)

The board adopted a credit card policy authorizing the director to have custody, control and use of the library credit card but did not effectively monitor the usage of the card or compliance with the credit card and procurement policies.

For access to state and local government spending and 50,000 state contracts, visit OpenBookNY. The easy-to-use website was created by Comptroller DiNapoli to promote openness in government and provide taxpayers with better access to the financial workings of government.