IG Shapiro Supports Creation of a Rhode Island state OIG
IG Shapiro has testified before the Rhode Island Legislature about the value of a statewide OIG three times over the last two years. On May 19th, he sent letters to the Rhode Island Senate Finance Committee chair and the Rhode Island House Speaker renewing his support for their efforts to create a statewide OIG in the Ocean State.
Letter to RI Senate Finance Committee Chair
Letter to RI House Speaker
OIG Letter to the House Ways and Means Committee Re: House 5131, the Municipal Empowerment Act
IG Shapiro advocated for commonsense changes to the state’s procurement laws contained within House 5131.
Read the LetterInvestigatory Review of Failed 2025 Service Plaza Procurement
The OIG found that the integrity of the procurement process for a new operator of 18 highway service plazas was undermined by multiple flaws. The OIG firmly posits that no procurement of this size, scope, and significance should rest on a weakened foundation. While no one finding was likely the fatal blow to this procurement,
the OIG’s eight findings in what would have been a 35-year lease should give pause.
OIG Letter Re: Cannabis Control Commission Legislation
IG Shapiro urged members of the Conference Committee to take action on proposals to reform the Cannabis Control Commission.
Read the LetterRecent Action to Reclaim Tax Incentives
IG Shapiro applauded steps the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to hold businesses accountable for not meeting agreed-upon hiring levels which were tied to
tax incentives.
Brockton Public Schools FY23 $18 Million Budget Deficit
The OIG detailed its findings based on a review of the financial practices and oversight controls of the city of Brockton and Brockton Public Schools to identify lapses that may have contributed to BPS’s unprecedented $18 million deficit in Fiscal Year 2023.
Read the LetterMBTA’s Recent Initiatives for Fare Collection
IG Shapiro urged the MBTA to prioritize fare collection in addition to cracking down on fare evaders. The MBTA must fulfill its commitment to the riding public by showing that it takes fare collection seriously.
Read the LetterLease of Municipal Land – Solar Development
The OIG reviewed the procurement and lease agreement for a solar array on municipal land in the town of Marshfield.
Read the LetterHighway Service Plazas Lease and Concessions Agreement – Key Aspects for Final Agreement
The OIG provided guidance to MassDOT on key lease provisions as it prepared to negotiate the Highway Service Plazas 35-year lease with the apparent successful bidder.
Read the LetterBourne Water District – Lease of 645 County Road – Solar Development
The OIG issued a letter regarding its findings of the request for proposals (RFP) issued by the Bourne Water District for a lease of land at 645 County Road, Bourne, and the subsequent agreement between the district and its lessee.
Read the LetterTown of Barre Department of Public Works Lack of Timekeeping Controls
In a letter, the OIG’s investigation confirmed that Jason Pimental, the town’s former DPW superintendent, worked hundreds of hours for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) during periods that he was scheduled to work for the town, without taking corresponding leave time.
Read the LetterLease of Land at Ernest Valeri Road, Bourne for Solar Development
The OIG issued a letter concerning a proposed real property transaction between the town of Bourne and a solar
developer.