By Brian Zanzonico
A financial review is under way for nine water districts, including both town-run and commissioner-run districts, which were selected after an analysis of financial statements and a comparison of the property tax burdens for all county water districts. After a comparison of such factors as district revenues, expense levels, tax rates, fund balances and year-to-year increases or decreases in expenses, the Franklin Square, West Hempstead, East Meadow, Manhasset-Lakeville, Garden City Park, Westbury, Jericho, Hicksville and Plainview water districts were selected for review.
According to the comptroller's communications director, Allen Morrison, the districts will undergo a financial review, which differs from a full audit. Morrison explained that a financial review is a less comprehensive look at financial statements, water usage data and current contracts, whereas a full audit is much more thorough. "[A full audit] involves reviewing every aspect of the operation, looking for ways they can save money," Morrison said. "It usually involves a full audit staff."
Morrison said his staff in the comptroller's office is still gathering material for the financial reviews, which will be completed later this year. After analyzing the findings of the nine water districts, Weitzman's staff will determine which ones to audit. "It's very important that if we're to reduce property taxes, we have to look closely at how tax dollars are being spent, especially special taxing districts with little oversight," Morrison said.
In October, Weitzman announced that an audit of Sanitary District No. 6, which covers Elmont, Franklin Square, Garden City South, Lakeview, Malverne Park, South Floral Park and West Hempstead, indicated that taxpayers paid more for garbage pickup (an average tax levy of $798) than for local police patrols (an average of $620). In addition, the audit uncovered that during the two years examined - 2003 and 2004 - more than $400,000 in goods and services were purchased, with no evidence of solicitation of competitive bids; that the district paid a lobbyist $12,000 a year without documentation of the need for one or evidence of work performed; and that health benefits were provided to certain part-time lawyers and commissioners, but not to other part-time employees.
A call to the Franklin Square Water District was not returned.
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