Inspector General Audit questions city’s Sandy spending
City must provide supporting documentation
According to a Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general audit report made available Wednesday, Asbury Park must account for how it spent FEMA grant monies received for Superstorm Sandy debris removal and emergency work.
While the city received $9.3 million in public assistance grants for the October 2012 storm’s damages, they could not account for $771,7461 of a $798,819, the bulk of which was paid to four separate contractors, the report states.
“As a result, FEMA has no assurance that these cost are valid and eligible,” the report states.
The documents the city provided were not sufficient because they did not include the contractors’ hourly rates for equipment and personnel and the type of equipment used, according to the report. Also at issue is $104,375 spent for firefighter overtime and equipment.
In a letter dated August 14, 2015, Chief Financial Officer Richard Gartz, said, “…supporting documentation was provided August 4 to the NJEM Grants management website and provides adequate support for the claims submitted.”
“I can confirm that the City has submitted additional documentation that I’m confident resolves any issues raised in the report issued regarding debris removal and emergency work,” Gartz said in an email Thursday afternoon.
The city’s $9.3 million award supported six projects for permanent work and two debris removal and emergency protective measures. The audit covered the period from October 2012 storm through February 28, 2015.
The inspector general recommends that the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, which awarded the grant, work with the city to ensure it properly reports its claims.
—————————————————————
Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.
