Audit faults Broadalbin for leave time bookkeeping

A state Comptroller’s Office audit released Wednesday faults the town of Broadalbin Highway Department’s bookkeeping for employee leave time.

The audit, which was conducted in 2012 and 2013, shows that the town has not established a system to ensure that vacation time earned and used by Highway Department employees is properly accounted for.

Also, the employees’ leave accrual balances are not adequately accounted for and monitored. Employees maintain their own leave records without oversight and independent verification by town officials, according to the audit.

The cumulative impact of such errors and irregularities over time could result in a substantial cost, the audit states.

Town Supervisor Tom Christopher said the Town Board has read the audit and agrees with the findings.

“We are working to set up policies of how to take time and how it’s accounted for and make sure it’s correct,” he said.

The audit recommends that:

u The board adopt a leave policy that provides specific guidance for the process of submitting and approving vacation requests.

u Employees be required to request and have the Highway Department superintendent approve time off prior to taking vacation time.

u Town officials establish and maintain centralized records of employee leave time that clearly account for leave time earned and used and a running balance of accrued time available to the employees.