Mitigate 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Weak internal controls within public works departments, such as outdated (or nonexistent) policies, invite potential fraud, waste, and abuse of public resources.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 ReleaseMunicipalities Can Mitigate Risks of Accepting Cash – OIG in Your Inbox
Accepting cash creates an inherent challenge that is best to address head-on, while being mindful of practical limitations to eliminating all risks. While your municipality may feel obligated to accept cash as legal tender, and may even be required in some circumstances under Massachusetts law to accept cash when offering goods and services for sale, there are several actions you can take as a steward of public resources to limit the risks.
Read the AdvisoryLease 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 LetterGuidance for Municipalities on Opioid Abatement Funds and Chapter 30B
The Office of the Inspector General offers the following guidance to clarify how public procurement law, specifically Chapter 30B of the Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 30B), applies to a municipality’s expenditure of opioid abatement funds. Note that all purchases using opioid abatement funds are also subject to the terms of the settlement agreements between the Commonwealth and opioid industry defendants.
Read the Advisory