- Northern New York Newspapers
- Watertown Daily Times
- The Journal
- Daily Courier-Observer
- NNY Ads
- NNY Business
- NNY Living
- Malone Telegram
STAR LAKE The state Comptrollers Office in an audit criticized the Fine Fire District for lack of oversight in its financial activities but found no wrong-doing.
The auditor determined that the districts board had not adopted investment policies or a code of ethics, that its secretary-treasurer did not provide the board with written reports, and that she did not maintain required accounts to help track transactions.
The report found that the board reviewed claims before they were paid but has not conducted an annual audit in over five years.
It reported the secretary-treasurer did not withhold required payroll taxes from her salary and had not issued Internal Revenue Service information returns to affected individuals. The report also faulted her for not maintaining other records and for failing to file the correct annual financial report with the state.
The board has already taken action to address each of the audits recommendations, according to a response filed by Chairman Dean E. Kerr.