Town Improves Roadwork Oversight Following Audit

A state audit released last month by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli found that Southold, among other towns audited, did not have adequate oversight of the road paving projects it observed, leaving room for sub-grade asphalt to be laid on town roadways.

DiNapoli made the announcement on Thursday, though the audit noted that in Southold, all asphalt tonnage, cost totals and delivery tickets added up as it should during the three projects observed, noting no difference in the bid prices agreed to and the town's invoices.

“Town officials need to put safeguards in place to ensure public funds are being used prudently," DiNapoli said. "Overall, the towns in our audit were managing road projects well but some improvements are needed.” 

The audit overlooked three projects in Southold in 2011, monitoring over 1,700 tons of asphalt totaling about $125,000. It also reviewed the payrolls of town contractors, and found that all in Southold, 14 contracted employees audited had been paid prevailing wages.

The audit checked 10 towns overall, with just two – Brookhaven and Islip – actually checking the quality of the asphalt laid. 

While Southold had language in its contract noting that the town had the right to test asphalt at any time during the project – four of the towns audited did not even have those previsions – the town never actually did, the audit noted.

Supervisor Scott Russell, in a letter dated from last October, said the town would test in the future, and requirements had been implemented following the audit to call for asphalt testing and review of job mix formulas from manufacturers.

Not only have the changes reduced room for mismanagement, but Russell said on Thursday that the audit has saved taxpayers cash, as it suggested that a certain portion of the asphalt can be reconstituted material – a cost-savings measure.

"Their job is to save taxpayers money, and it's our job is to save taxpayers money, so at the end of the day when we can work together, that's a win/win," he said.