Dutchess County Comptroller Robin Lois Announces Release of Two Special Reports

Reports Are Integral in allowing Dutchess County to Make Claim for Federal Reimbursement of Program Costs Approximating $1.65 Million in 2022

Dutchess County Comptroller Robin Lois today announced the release of two reports related to claims for reimbursement of service – an audit of the annual Maintenance in Lieu of Rent report prepared by the Department of Public Works (DPW), and a special report on the preparation of the County’s Indirect Cost Allocation Plan by the Comptroller’s Office. Together, these reports represent integral components of the County’s claim for Federal reimbursement for programs provided by the Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS).

Based on these reports and an analysis of historical trends, the Comptroller estimates that the County can reasonably anticipate revenue of approximately $1.65 million in 2022 for DCFS.

For the Maintenance In Lieu of Rent audit, the Comptroller’s Office validated the process and calculations prepared by DPW, reviewed the billings for accuracy, confirmed collections, and recommended process improvements. The special report on the Indirect Cost Allocation Plan outlines the process by which the Comptroller’s Office is instrumental in compiling and computing the needed information and filing with New York State, which results in significant reimbursement for program delivery each year.

“It is my goal with these reports to maximize revenue for Dutchess County Taxpayers – whether it is revenue for County facilities being used by outside agencies or maximizing our claim for reimbursement related to DCFS program delivery,” said Dutchess County Comptroller Robin Lois. “Our office recommends exploring opportunities to expand billings to other entities to increase reimbursement to the County to reflect the actual cost of operations for those entities. We also recommend additional indirect cost opportunities be explored for billing enterprise accounts.”

An added benefit and use of the information in these reports is the determination of the annual Fringe Benefit Rate, which is utilized by various County Departments for inclusion on claims or reimbursements from other departments or outside agencies.

• A full copy of the Maintenance in Lieu of Rent Audit is available on the Comptroller’s website here (.pdf).
• A full copy of the Special Report on the Indirect Cost Allocation Plan is available on the Comptroller’s website here (.pdf).