Carmel officials unaware gas worth $51,900 was unaccounted for

ALBANY – Staff in Carmel town government “routinely circumvented” the town’s purchase order system by issuing confirming purchase orders after buying goods and services, according to an audit by the state comptroller’s office.
The review also said the staff did not adequately record diesel fuel consumption or perform monthly fuel reconciliations and officials were unaware that gasoline worth $51,900 was unaccounted for.  The audit also said the town recreation director did not ensure that records were properly maintained and did not deposit receipts in a timely manner.
Recommendations by the state include ensuring that employees document gas and diesel fuel usage, investigate the unaccounted for gas and take action to resolve the gas shortage.  It also said staffers should comply with the town’s purchase order system by preparing purchase orders and having them preapproved before making purchases.
The auditors also said the town should require the recreation department to maintain sufficient records to allow for receipts to be easily traced and accounted for and deposit all funds collected within 10 days of receipt.