City of Lockport Common Council respond to recent state audit results

The City of Lockport Common Council would like to inform the residents of Lockport about the status of a recent audit performed by the New York State Comptroller’s Office.

Both the City of Lockport and the state Comptroller’s Office share a goal of managing government resources efficiently and providing accountability for tax dollars spent on local government operations. The audit findings identified opportunities for improving city operations and governance as well as methods to strengthen internal controls.

The Common Council has reviewed the audit and takes the auditors’ recommendations seriously. They will be working closely with Mayor Mike Tucker and Treasurer Mike White to ensure that improvements are implemented.

The council has already begun to take several steps to remedy some of the auditors’ concerns. These include:

• The finance committee has plans to implement a new system for reviewing and approving payment of bills. Beginning immediately, the finance committee will meet twice per month at which time bills will be reviewed, prior to payment. This will ensure that adequate internal controls are in place.

• The finance committee has been working closely with White and his staff to implement software upgrades, which will assist in increasing efficiency of financial operations and improving Information technology systems and security. These upgrades were planned prior to the audit and will be completed in the next few months.

• The council has received and is reviewing new purchasing policies and procedures, which will ensure consistency in procedures.

• The council will be considering an update to the city’s Code of Ethics. The council is in the process of reviewing NYCOM recommendations for Codes of Ethics and is researching best practices. The council is committed to ensuring that city officials and employees are independent, impartial and accountable to the people and that we perform our duties with the highest standards of ethics.

Lastly, while the council was pleased that the auditors found no signs of theft or fraud, more work needs to be done. The Common Council is committed to ensuring that ongoing improvements are made and will continue to work diligently to maintain the trust that the citizens of Lockport have placed in them.