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Selectmen flag $2.2M in Region 20 invoices; ad hoc committee urges limits, possible forensic audit
Summary
An ad hoc committee reviewing Region 20 invoices identified technology and purchasing concerns and calculated an estimated $2.2 million in claims the town might face; Selectman John Bongiorno urged the town to limit payment to that amount and called for consideration of a forensic audit if the state will fund one.
Selectman John Bongiorno told the Board of Selectmen March 24 that an ad hoc committee reviewing Region 20 invoice materials found multiple irregularities and substantial potential liabilities, and said the Town should cap further payments at the committee27s $2.2 million estimate.
Bongiorno thanked Matthew Tobin and Selectman Jodiann Tenney for organizing binders of invoice materials and said the ad hoc review raised concerns about Region 2027s technology management, including reports of roughly 500 missing tablets and additional IT charges in the range of $40,000 to $50,000. He also said one invoice packet referenced a $50,000 charge with no accompanying invoice.
"The Ad Hoc Committee calculated a total debt cost of $2.2 million based on the invoices reviewed," Bongiorno said in reporting the committee27s findings to the board.
Selectman Dan Morosani voiced concerns about prior audits and whether investigators had pursued full inquiries; Selectman Jeff Zullo said audits should be invalidated if receivables and payables were not fully accounted for. Several members recommended tabling any payment or final action until it is known whether the state will fund a forensic audit for FY 2023-2024 that could clarify outstanding items.
The board did not take a binding vote to withhold payment but discussed recommending the town limit any additional payment to the ad hoc committee27s $2.2 million estimate and to await further audit determinations before final settlement.
Bongiorno also reported that House Bill 5323 had moved out of the Education Committee and would next go to the House for a vote; the board discussed awaiting potential state action or funding related to audits.
