Comptroller's audit cites Westmere FD

GUILDERLAND — An audit by the state comptroller’s office states that the Westmere Fire District has failed to submit annual update documents for 2011 and 2012.

The purpose of the audit, according to an April 18 letter to the district chairman, John Lutz, from Gabriel F. Deyo, the deputy comptroller, was to assess whether the district was filing accurate and timely financial reports.

The audit found that the treasurer had not submitted the update documents within 60 days after the close of the fiscal year, for two years. The reason for the non-submittals, said the letter, was the lack of completion of an external audit by a certified public accounting firm.

In a response letter to Deyo, Lutz thanked the deputy comptroller for the “opportunity to discuss your findings.”

Lutz said the letter served as a corrective action plan.

“Changes to our accounting system, which have provided greater transparency and reflects the state’s chart of accounts, has delayed the annual external audit and the filing of the Annual Update Document,” wrote Lutz. “The treasurer has kept the board aware of the delay and is working towards its resolution.”

Deyo noted in his letter to Lutz that the district should submit the AUDs, even if the external audit has not been completed, and the district would be able to amend the AUDs if the external audit required changes in the amounts reported.

“Thank you for your time and constructive feedback regarding our fire district,” Lutz closed his letter. “We look forward to your assistance in the future.”

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