Who’s watching your tax dollars? (Sponsored Content)

Scott Steve has a proven record of safeguarding public tax dollars, and has saved clients money with cost controls. The City of Cortland needs accountability and transparency after three audits have turned up a lack of oversight of City spending.

Two recent New York State audits found over $200,000 in inappropriate or unapproved spending.

Two state Comptroller’s audits this year found lack of financial and administrative oversight by the Mayor and Common Council.
One audit (*1) revealed that credit account purchases were “not properly supported or for questionable or inappropriate purchases,” including perfume and flowers.
The second audit (*2) cited overpayment to staff for leave and vacation hours valued at $134,900 during the audit period alone. The Comptroller recommended that the Council review the payments and seek reimbursement, which has not occurred.
According to the Comptroller, the “City paid $59,500 to provide health insurance for two Council members without proper approval and establishment of eligibility requirements and contribution rates.”
A review of the Comptroller’s audit in a Cortland Standard editorial (9/3/21) stated responsibility lies with the Mayor and the Common Council and labeled it “mis-management.”
Comptroller’s audits in 2010 identified similar problems, which the Mayor and Council failed to correct.

The City has overspent and created budget deficits over the last two years.

The City’s Independent Audit (*3) found weaknesses in financial reporting and reported that financial information and governmental activities should be monitored and recorded on a timely basis.
The audit also faulted the City’s budgeting for over-stating revenues, which resulted in the City spending more money than it had.
The Council’s failure to review current financial statements and constrain non-budgeted expenditures, along with not pursuing repayment of loans to not-for-profits, businesses and individuals, contributed to these deficits.

Scott Steve has a proven record of safeguarding public tax dollars, and saved clients money with cost controls.

While serving as Chairman of the County Legislature, Scott led a bi-partisan effort to restore financial accountability and modernize operations at the County level.
As a business consultant, he works with clients to reduce their costs, manage projects, and streamline operations.
Scott will place the review of the City’s fiscal activities on monthly Council meeting agendas.

Please vote for Scott Steve on November 2nd. Visit www.scottsteveformayor.com to learn more.