An audit report was filed on May 15, 2009 on the calculation and application of the J-51 Tax Benefits for Properties in Manhattan by the Department of Finance (DOF). This audit determined whether DOF is properly calculating and applying J-51 tax exemption and tax abatement benefits. It was determined that there were weaknesses in the administration of key aspects of the J-51 tax exemption incentive program. These issues led to incorrect collection and calculation of tax amounts due the City. Additional issues were identified with documentaion and discretionary interpretation of the J-51 statute that limited City revenue potential. Recommendations were made to rectify these issues.
From a follow-up audit conducted on the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), it was found that the FDNY implemented only some of the recommendations made to them. They developed a policy and guidelines regarding front-line vehicles, but they have not been signed, dated, or diseeminated throughout the Department. Recommendations have been made to address this issue.
From an audit conducted on the New York Yankees, it was found that the Yankees overstated its rental credits for the Second Quarter of 2008. These expenses are not chargeable to the City and were not properly supported by sufficient documentation. Recommendations have been made to rectify this issue.
From an audit conducted on the Department of Housing Preservation and Development's (HPD's) Emergency Repair Program (ERP) data, it was found that the ERP data exists in a secure environment with restricted access and is readily available to its users. However, some fields are inaccurate and incomplete and the overall database has access-control weaknesses. Recommendations have been made to address these issues.
From an audit conducted on the Central Park Conservancy (CPC), it was found that the CPC generally complied with its management agreement with the Department of Parks and Recreation. The CPC exceeded its funding commitment, maintained Central Park in accordance with agreement standards, and complied with purchasing rules. However, funds were not properly reported and ineligible expenses were charged to the Department. Recommendations have been made to address these issues.
From an audit conducted on Central Park Tennis Center (CPT), it was found that CPT has internal control weaknesses over the financial operations of its center. CPT does not pay fees and charges in a timely manner, thus accumulating a large amount of late charges. In addition, employees were not properly paid and utility charges were not paid in full. Recommendations have been made to address these issues.
This Office of the Comptroller Claims Report addresses fiscal years 2007-2008. Under the New York City Charter, the Comptroller is responsible for settling and adjusting claims for and against the City. This report provides a comprehensive examination of data regarding claims filed against the City in fiscal year 2008 and analyzes recent claim trends. The subject of this report is centered on three categories of claims: personal injury, property damage, and law claims, and their costs.
The Department of Health has emphasized that accurate and complete reporting of occurences is essential if New York Patient Occurrence and Tracking System is to accomplish its goal of
improving quality of care. Without the fullest possible reporting, hospitals cannot identify areas where systemic improvement may be needed nor use the NYPORTS web site to compare their
performance against their peers.
This Office of the Comptroller report focuses on the current economic climate and addresses the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2010 and the financial plan for fiscal years 2009 to 2013. Addressed in this report are the actions that have been taken and are being taken to reduce costs to the City and to improve its use of resources. Included are data and analyses for revenue and expenditures in past fiscal years, and projections for the future financial plan.