OSAI Auit Officials In Roland

The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector performed an investigation of the Town of Roland from July 1, 2011 until February 28, 2013.  The audit was conducted in multiple areas including payroll, petty cash, court and expenditures.  According to a release by OSAI, payroll allegations were brought forward in regards to the deputy town clerk receiving improper payments while employed by the Town of Roland.  Inspector Gary Jones found the clerk had received $129,441.52 in unsubstantiated pay- ments from July 1, 2009 until January 14, 2013.

Also in the release it stated the Town Administrator reported an amount in excess of approved pay, receiving $51,633.27 in unsubstantiated payroll payments from the Town of Roland from July 1, 2009 until February 1, 2013.  One person not involved in the original investigation was added in after a re- view of payments to other employees.  The release noted this person had received nine checks in less than one month and received unsubstantiated pay totaling $11,096.66 from 2012 until 2013.

The investigation also shows irregularities in the petty cash funding stating "Expenditures made from the petty cash checking account were rarely supported by adequate documentation."  The Town of Roland's Sam's Club card was used by town officials, including the deputy town clerk, for personal purchases  along with petty cash. 

In regards to the court, Jones reported the deputy town clerk had collected money from tickets outside official duties and did not remit these funds to the court in a timely manner. 

Examination of expenditures showed they were not supported by receipts, requisitions or purchase orders.  Checks were signed by unauthorized personnel.  Hand and power tools purchased by the Town could not be located.

The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector discussed these findings with town officials recommend- ing that an evaluation be conducted of the duties associated with these positions and that additional accountability and controls be put in place to increase the overseeing of those offices.

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