Town Tightens on Road Work Oversight Following Audit

A state audit released last month by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli found that while no financial discrepancies were noted during a review of two road work projects in 2011, more oversight of asphalt quality was suggested to prevent possible use of sub-par material.

DiNapoli made the announcement on Thursday, adding that of 10 towns audited, four towns – including East Hampton – did not have language in their contracts saying they could monitor asphalt quality. While six others had language permitting them to do so, only two – Brookhaven and Islip – actually tested.

Despite the oversight by some towns to add in a testing requirement, the books on the projects reviewed in East Hampton – two projects with a budget of over $530,000 – were deemed to be in proper order, with no mismanagement.

But, the audit notes, the possibility remains.

“Town officials need to put safeguards in place to ensure public funds are being used prudently," DiNapoli said. "Overall, the towns in our audit were managing road projects well but some improvements are needed.” 

Following the audit, a November 2012 letter from Supervisor Bill Willkinson notes that the town made the suggested language in its contracts, adding in future contracts that "the contractor will be responsible for the expenses incurred by the town to hire a quality control technician at the paving site, if the town deems it necessary. If the core tests are needed, the contractor will be required to pay the expenses of all tests required to meet the town's standards."

"We thank the state comptroller for confirming that East Hampton's financial books are once again in order," Wilkinson said Thursday. "However they did highlight some efficiency opportunities for us, and I thank them for their leadership.