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 LetterOIG In Your Inbox — Key Documents
Documenting key policies, processes, and systems allows municipalities to operate efficiently, facilitate smooth transfers of knowledge, and save public funds. This advisory provides guidance on key documents and resources readily available to manage municipal operations.
Read the AdvisoryHouse 56, An Act Empowering Municipalities and Local Governments
IG Shapiro outlined his support of certain provisions of House 56 that update Chapter 30B.
Read the TestimonyMitigate Risks Through Reasonable Timekeeping Controls – OIG in Your Inbox
Every year the OIG receives a number of time fraud-related complaints. The OIG sometimes directs these complaints back to the public employer because responsibility for the integrity of payroll rests with that employer. This advisory contains guidance and best practices related to timekeeping for municipalities.
Read the AdvisoryCompensating Balance Account Report Form – 53F Report
Treasurers or collectors of local jurisdictions must submit annual reports on any compensating balance account agreements with banking institutions to the OIG.
View the GuideTestimony of Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro Regarding House 56
IG Shapiro testified in support of House 56, An Act Empowering Municipalities and Local Governments, before the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
Read the TestimonySenate 1650, Municipal & Public Safety Building Authority
IG Shapiro testified in support of Senate 1650, An Act Creating a Municipal and Public Safety Building Authority to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Read the TestimonyDPW Internal Controls – OIG In Your Inbox
Weak internal controls within public works departments, such as outdated (or nonexistent) policies, invite potential fraud, waste, and abuse of public resources. Specific risks include overtime abuse, misuse of public vehicles and facilities, or employees selling leftover materials for personal gain.
Read the AdvisoryTestimony of IG Shapiro Opposing Post-Retirement Employment Exemptions
IG Shapiro testified in opposition of bills before the Joint Committee on Public Service in response to exemptions to the post-retirement earnings and hours limitations for public employees.
Read the TestimonyOIG Investigation: Former Hopkinton Parks & Rec Director Violated Procurement Laws
A former Hopkinton Parks & Rec Director intentionally circumvented state procurement laws and violated state law and local policies regarding cash handling.
Read the Press ReleaseHouse 56, An Act Empowering Municipalities and Local Governments – Letter from the IG
IG Shapiro issued concerns surrounding House 56, An Act Empowering Municipalities and Local Government to Committee on Public Service in regard to the bills broad expansion of the post-retirement employment options.
Read the TestimonyFormer Ware Fire Chief Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $20,000 from the Town of Ware and Three Regional Nonprofit Fire Associations
The former fire chief of Ware will pay $20,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to embezzlement charges in Hampshire County Superior Court on Tuesday.
Read the Press Release