By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released audits on the State Thruway Authority and the Clarence School District Friday.
DiNapoli appeared in Buffalo, telling reporters the Authority has adopted only one of the recommendations from a previous audit to improve its borrowing practices.
DiNapoli said more transparency is needed so that the Thruway Authority can obtain the best interest rates.
"That really again raises the question, how do we know the Thruway Authority is getting the lowest price, the best possible price for services. It raises questions again about efficiency of the operation of the Thruway Authority and continues to call to question whether or not those toll increases were necessary," said DiNapoli.
DiNapoli released results of an audit of the Clarence Central School District. That audit reveals extensive personal use by district employees of computers and other equipment. The district says it will make changes.
DiNapoli also addressed the state's growing budget deficit. But DiNapoli does not believe raising taxes and fees is the answer to closing a $2 billion gap in the current year's budget.