Erie County Comptroller Mark C. Poloncarz today issued an Audit (the "Audit") of Erie County's ("County") use and spending of federal and state homeland security funds for the grant years ending December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2005.

The Audit primarily examined the Urban Area Security Initiative ("UASI"), the single-largest federal grant program awarding funds to the County. The Audit examined and tested the County's spending of UASI funds for personnel, equipment and vehicles and overall compliance with federal, state and County policies and regulations concerning the use of homeland security funds. In addition to UASI, the County has received funds through 14 other grant programs pertaining to homeland security.

Poloncarz stated, "I am pleased to report that in the course of this Audit, we found that internal controls on the use of homeland security funds are robust and no material violations of federal, state or County policies were found."

The County has received $14.1 million in UASI funds for the grant years 2003, 2004 and 2005.

The Audit found several payroll issues concerning overtime and beeper pay associated with homeland security-funded employees and recommended corrective measures to address these issues. The Audit recommends additional legislative oversight and approvals by the Erie County Legislature on change orders and changes or alterations to grant awards and funding sources for homeland security appropriations.

Poloncarz reported that the Audit found that nine (9) vehicles have been purchased by the County using UASI funds, eight (8) of which are 24-hour take-home vehicles. The County also purchased two (2) new patrol boats for the Sheriff's Office marine division. The Audit also found that since 2003, 40 County positions are or have been funded, budgeted and/or occupied in whole or in part by UASI and other homeland security grant funds.

A subsequent period review of vehicles revealed that six (6) vehicles were purchased in 2006, consisting of two (2) Chevrolet Suburbans, one (1) Chevrolet Tahoe, one (1) tactical armored vehicle for the Sheriff's SWAT team and two (2) Dodgen 32 foot mobile command vehicles. No audit testing was performed on these purchases.

The County has used the majority of its UASI funds to purchase and install security equipment and communications systems throughout various County buildings, including the County's Public Safety Campus.

In addition to this Audit, the Erie County Comptroller's Office is currently conducting an audit of the Erie County Correctional Facility and an audit of the collection of Erie County Hotel Occupancy Taxes by local hotel/motel establishments and their remittance of said revenue to the County.

A copy of the Audit can be found at the following site: http://www.erie.gov/comptroller/county_audits.asp