HomeMy WebLinkAbout9594 2022 Justice ReportINDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
Supervisor and Town Board
Town of Groton
Groton, New York
We have audited the books and records of the Town of Groton Justice Courts of Justice Paul L. Lang
and Randy N. Jackson for the period beginning January 1, 2022 and ended December 31, 2022. We
conducted this performance audit in compliance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing
Standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain sufficient, appropriate
evidence to provide a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives.
We believe the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based
on our audit objectives.
Town Law §31 states that the Town’s Justices are responsible for recording and reporting the Courts’
activities. The Uniform Justice Court Act §2019-A states that the books and records of the Court are
the Town’s property and the Town is responsible for causing them to be audited.
The Town of Groton Justice Courts of Justice Paul L. Lang and Randy N. Jackson utilize the cash
basis of accounting for financial reporting purposes. Unremitted fines are due to the Comptroller of
New York State during the month following collection of such fines. Bail is retained by the Town
Justices until each particular case is settled. Forfeited bail is paid to the Comptroller of New York
State along with fines. Unclaimed exonerated bail held for six years becomes property of the Town
of Groton.
Our audit was made for the purpose of determining whether the Town of Groton Justice Courts of
Justice Paul L. Lang and Randy N. Jackson were properly collecting and recording bail, fines, and
other charges, as well as reporting and remitting funds to the state in an accurate and timely manner.
The results of our tests indicate, for transactions tested, the Town of Groton Justice Courts of Justice
Paul L. Lang and Randy N. Jackson complied, in all material respects, with the terms and conditions
of the requirements described above.
In planning and performing our audit, we obtained an understanding of the internal control structure.
With respect to the internal control structure, we obtained an understanding of the design of
procedures and whether they have been placed in operation. We assessed control risk in order to
determine our auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing our opinion on the Town of Groton
Justice Courts’ collection and recording bail, fines, and other charges, as well as reporting and
remitting funds to New York State in an accurate and timely manner, and not to provide an opinion
on the internal control structure. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Insero & Co. CPA s, LLP
The Highest Standard | (800) 232-9547 | www.inserocpa.com
Town of Groton
August 21, 2023
Page 2
OTHER MATTERS
New Finding
NYS Monthly Reports - Justice Jackson
Finding:
Justice Jackson did not consistently submit the monthly NYS Reports timely. Per New York State
guidance, the reports must be filed by the 10th of each month following the reporting period.
In testing the account of Justice Jackson, 3 of 10 NYS reports were filed late.
Recommendations:
New York State reporting is due by the 10th of the following month. We recommend reports be
reconciled to the cashbook in a timely manner and subsequently submitted by the due date.
Management Response:
Judge Jackson was appointed at the end of March 2022 but did not sit on the bench until June 2022.
During this time period Justice Jackson was engaged in training and shadowing another Justice;
therefore he had no activity during this time. Management became aware that reports were due for
this training time period when the June 2022 report was filed. Since June 2022, Management has
worked to ensure all reports are submitted within the 10 day requirements.
Recurring Finding
Timely Bank Deposits - Justice Jackson and Justice Lang
Finding:
Justice Dawson and Justice Norman, former justices, did not consistently deposit fine, surcharge, and
civil fee payments into their respective court bank accounts in a timely manner. Per New York State
guidance, all monies should be deposited within 72 hours of receipt.
In testing the account of Justice Jackson, 3 of 14 receipts tested were not deposited in a timely manner.
In testing the account of Justice Lang, 6 of 24 receipts tested were not deposited in a timely manner.
Recommendation:
We recommend the Justices deposit all funds within 3 business days of receipt issuance regardless of
amount.
Management Response:
Management is working to improve their system to ensure that deposits are made in a timely manner.
Town of Groton
August 21, 2023
Page 3
Resolved Finding
Bank Account Cash Reconciliation - Justice Norman
Finding:
During our prior year audit, the year-end reconciliation for Justice Norman’s account contained an
unidentified $659 excess balance that was carried forward from prior years. After Justice Norman
retired at the end of 2021, the difference was rectified, and Justice Norman’s account was closed out.
This report is intended solely for the information and use of the Town Board, Justice Courts, and New
York State and is not intended to be, and should not be, used by anyone other than these specified
parties.
Respectfully submitted,
Insero & Co. CPAs, LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Ithaca, New York
August 21, 2023