Risk Assessment Leads to Comprehensive Audit

SEPTEMBER 21, 2006, FARMINGVILLE, NY- Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley announced Thursday that State Comptroller Alan Hevesi’s auditors will conduct a full performance audit of the town, bringing the same kind of fiscal scrutiny to Brookhaven Town government that the Comptroller has brought to Long Island school districts.

 In one of his first official actions upon taking office, Supervisor Foley requested the services of the Comptroller’s office to examine the town’s financial practices by conducting a risk assessment. State auditors have been conducting that “risk assessment” of town finances since May, working in Town Hall examining records and interviewing workers. The Comptroller’s office informed Supervisor Foley and the entire Town Board on Thursday that a full performance audit will be conducted as a result of the risk assessment.

“We welcome the state’s scrutiny, professionalism and assistance,” said Supervisor Foley.

“We welcome their help in helping pinpoint past problems and outlining ways to improve the current fiscal practices of Brookhaven Town.

“Most importantly, I share the Comptroller’s view of the audit report as an opportunity to improve town operations.”

“The Comptroller’s office has been of assistance to my office in the past and we look forward to their helping us to continue our reforms and save taxpayer dollars,” said Highway Superintendent John Rouse.

The auditors are reviewing the 2005 fiscal year and they will focus on three areas—capital projects procedures and practices, use of overtime and out-of-title workers, and purchasing procedures. The state also will examine overtime and out-of-title work. Lastly, the state auditors will examine the town’s purchasing procedures.

The audit is expected to be finished by next summer. “I promised the residents of the Town of Brookhaven that I would give them an open, honest, fiscally responsible government,” said Supervisor Foley. “I thank State Comptroller Alan Hevesi for his help in getting that done.”
"We welcome the help of the State Comptroller in improving our budgetary management practices," said Councilwoman Carol Bissonette.

“I am glad that the Comptroller’s Office has stepped in here in Brookhaven to help us identify any problems and help to install fiscal best practices in Brookhaven Town,” said Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld.  “It is my hope that this audit will provide a third party snapshot identify any problems and highlight the budgetary and bidding reforms we must continue to put in place.  I’m looking forward to them assisting us in laying out a road map for us to install better fiscal controls in the Town’s handling of the people’s money.”

“Alan Hevesi is a man of integrity and I have full confidence that his office will examine town financial practices in an independent manner,” said Councilwoman Connie Kepert.

“ I welcome any action or opportunity to help our Finance Department fine-tune their practices and procedures,” said Councilman McCarrick. “I await the findings and recommendations of the report.”

Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6955 • Fax (631) 451-6677