Uncovering Mishandled Taxpayer Funds in the Town of Evans

In a startling revelation, a new audit by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has exposed the mishandling of tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars by the Town of Evans over a three-year period. The findings shed light on inaccuracies in employee leave payments and raise concerns about the former town supervisor's unauthorized benefits. This report delves into the details of the audit and the town's efforts to address the issues uncovered.

Exposing Financial Irregularities in the Town of Evans

Inaccurate Employee Leave Payments

The audit conducted by Comptroller DiNapoli revealed that between 2020 and 2023, the Town of Evans failed to accurately process payments for employees on leave. This oversight resulted in the mishandling of significant sums of taxpayer money, highlighting the need for immediate action to rectify the town's payroll system.

According to the audit, the town's payroll practices were found to be lacking, leading to discrepancies in the compensation of employees on leave. This issue not only raises concerns about the town's financial management but also raises questions about the fairness and transparency of its employment practices. The Comptroller's office has recommended that the town take immediate steps to address these irregularities and ensure the accurate and proper disbursement of taxpayer funds.

Unauthorized Benefits for Former Town Supervisor

The audit also uncovered the concerning finding that a former town supervisor, identified as Mary Hosler, had granted herself benefits that she was not entitled to. While the individual's name was not explicitly stated in the report, the timeline of the audit aligns with Hosler's tenure as the town's supervisor.

This revelation raises serious questions about the integrity of the town's leadership and the oversight mechanisms in place. The Comptroller's office has emphasized the need for the town to investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate actions to address any instances of misuse of public funds or abuse of authority. The town's residents deserve transparency and accountability from their elected officials, and this audit has highlighted the importance of robust financial controls and oversight.

Resistance to Recommended Audits

The audit report also revealed that Comptroller DiNapoli had recommended a resolution to perform a comprehensive audit of the town's payroll tasks on four separate occasions, but the majority of the current town board voted against it. This resistance to external scrutiny raises concerns about the town's willingness to address the issues identified and implement the necessary corrective measures.

The Comptroller's office has proposed the creation of a nonpartisan finance committee to help the town address the findings of the audit and implement the recommended solutions. This suggestion underscores the need for independent oversight and a collaborative approach to resolving the town's financial challenges. The town's residents have a right to expect their elected officials to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public funds.

The Town's Response and Commitment to Improvement

In response to the audit, the Town of Evans has acknowledged the issues and stated that it is working to implement the fixes recommended by Comptroller DiNapoli. This commitment to addressing the identified problems is a positive step, but the town must now demonstrate its ability to follow through and restore public trust in its financial management practices.

The residents of the Town of Evans deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and committed to the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. This audit has shed light on significant shortcomings, and the town's leadership must now take decisive action to rectify the situation and implement robust financial controls to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The public's confidence in the town's administration is at stake, and the town's response will be closely watched by its constituents and the broader community.