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County hires forensic auditors for former prison health provider and approves PFM for phase 2 of financial recovery
Summary
Lackawanna County commissioners approved a forensic and performance audit of billing and staffing by the prison’s former health-care contractor and authorized PFM to begin phase 2 of a state-backed strategic management plan to address a multiyear fiscal shortfall.
Lackawanna County commissioners on May 7 authorized a forensic and performance audit of services provided by the county prison’s former health-care contractor and approved a consulting contract to implement phase 2 of a county financial recovery plan.
The board awarded the audit to Boyer & Ritter LLC after a request-for-proposals process; county Chief Financial Officer David Bolzoni said five firms responded and the county does not expect the contract to exceed $100,000. The audit will focus on “billing and staffing slash performance,” Bolzoni said, and will examine recent billing that the county said was not satisfactorily explained by the prior contractor, Wellpath.
Why it matters: the audit and the PFM engagement are part of a broader effort to stabilize county finances after officials said they uncovered a multi‑year structural shortfall. The county’s financial review and the audit probe separate but related concerns: the audit examines the former provider’s billing and performance at the prison; the PFM contract funds implementation of operational and financial recommendations intended to restore long‑term fiscal balance.
Bolzoni told the board that Boyer & Ritter was recommended following review by revenue and finance and outside counsel. “Costs are based on an hourly scale. We do not expect the contractual costs to exceed $100,000,” he said.
Separately, the board approved an amended consulting agreement with PFM Group Consulting LLC to carry out phase 2 of a strategic management plan. Bolzoni said the work under phase 2 will implement recommendations from the firm’s earlier review of county finances and operations and will be supported by a $100,000 grant; he said the county’s cost will not exceed the grant amount.
Commissioner Bill Gaughan described the county’s fiscal situation that prompted the PFM engagement. “Rather than ignore the problem or kick the can down the road further ... I chose to face it head on,” Gaughan said, summarizing the commission’s view that the county was confronting a significant structural deficit and must implement difficult changes to restore stability.
Both measures passed on unanimous aye votes by those present.
Clarifying details: the audit award followed five proposals; Boyer & Ritter’s work will emphasize billing and staffing/performance questions tied to services the county says were provided by Wellpath. The PFM phase‑2 work is supported by a $100,000 grant and the county stated the contract cost will not exceed that grant.
What’s next: the county will proceed with the audit and PFM’s implementation work; officials said they will return with further updates as those reviews and projects develop.
