OIG Guide for Members of Public Boards & Commissions
This guide outlines the obligations and duties required of members of public boards and commissions.
View the GuideLease 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.
Detect and Prevent Electronic Funds Transfer Fraud – OIG in Your Inbox
Municipalities face a growing variety of cybersecurity risks, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, and denial of service attacks. These risks can result in a variety of harms to the municipality, including loss of access to critical infrastructure, disclosure of confidential information, and reputational damage. One such risk that has affected many Massachusetts communities is the use of phishing tactics to conduct Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) fraud.
Read the AdvisoryTestimony of Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro Regarding House 16
IG Shapiro commented in support of House 16, An Act Relative to County Land Disposition before the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
Read the TestimonyOIG Letter Re: Lease of 12 Sharon Avenue
The OIG issued a letter regarding its findings of the request for proposals (RFP) issued by the town of Norfolk, for a lease of land at 12 Sharon Avenue, Norfolk, and the subsequent agreement between the town and its lessee.
Read the LetterUsing Data to Guide Municipal Decisions – OIG in Your Inbox
Municipalities can use data as a strategic asset to inform governmental decisions, support pre-defined goals, or identify patterns and potential issues needing resolution. Through data-driven decision-making, municipalities leverage data to guide their actions rather than relying on instinct, precedent, or assumptions.
Read the AdvisoryFormer Leyden Police Chief Ordered to Pay Restitution in Theft of Town Property
Former Leyden Police Chief Daniel J. Galvis admitted to sufficient facts in larceny of town property.
Read the Press ReleaseTown of Orange Credit Card Controls
After receiving a complaint in December 2022, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) reviewed the town of Orange’s (town) use of a town credit card that was in the name of a former town administrator.
Read the LetterOIG FY26 Budget Submission to the Ways and Means Committees, March 6, 2025
IG Shapiro presented the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) FY26 budget request to the Ways and Means Committees with a request of a 6% increase across all directly appropriated accounts.
Read the TestimonyOIG Investigation Finds that City Overpaid Everett Mayor $180,000
IG Shapiro calls on the Everett City Council to recover the money.
Read the Press ReleaseImproper Longevity Payments – Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria
In a letter to the Everett City Council, IG Shapiro detailed an OIG investigation that found that $180,000 in longevity payments were improperly paid to Mayor Carlo DeMaria. He also called on the City Council to conduct an audit of all payments made to the mayor and recover any other overpayments discovered through the audit.
Read the LetterPractical Recommendations for Program Performance Management
The Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has a statutory mission under Chapter 12A of the Massachusetts General Laws to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds at the state and municipal levels. Pursuant to this authority, the OIG is issuing this advisory with practical recommendations for the Commonwealth, agencies, municipalities, and other public entities to assess
whether governmental programs and grants are effective.