Another disheartening audit involving local government. From the NYS Comptroller’s Office:
Town of Ontario – Information Technology, Financial Management and Procurement (2017M-137)
Purpose of Audit
The purpose of our audit was to evaluate the Town’s IT controls, financial condition and purchasing practices for the period January 1, 2015 through March 2, 2017.
Background
The Town of Ontario is located in Wayne County and serves approximately 10,000 residents. The Town is governed by a five-member elected Town Board. The Town’s 2017 budgeted appropriations totaled $9.3 million.
Key Findings
- The Board has not adopted IT policies to sufficiently protect its IT assets and did not ensure the adopted computer use and inventory policies were enforced or monitored.
- The Board has not reduced excessive fund balance; adopted a comprehensive multiyear financial or capital plan, or an adequate fund balance policy; or developed policies and procedures to govern budgeting practices.
- Lacking established long-term plans and budgetary guidance, the Board continued to adopt budgets that were not based on sound and realistic estimates.
- The Board adopted a procurement policy, but it does not require competition for professional services or the submission of documentation with claims to support competition was sought.