News  OIG's ISAU Review of an Eastham Chapter 90 Roadway Project Leads to Reimbursement

The Office of the Inspector General’s Internal Special Audit Unit (“ISAU”) reviewed the town of Eastham’s oversight of a road project that it paid for through the state’s Chapter 90 program. The ISAU found that, as the result of lax oversight, the town overpaid the contractor $13,672.  Town officials took action to recover the overpayment and then worked with the state to ensure that the reimbursed funds are applied to a future Chapter 90 project. Following its review, the ISAU recommended enhanced contract administration and vendor oversight policies to ensure that the town only pays for materials and services that it receives.

The Office commends the town for conducting an internal investigation and making staff changes following the incident, including hiring a new superintendent of public works and natural resources who is a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official.

For additional information, see the OIG's ISAU Letter to Town of Eastham Officials regarding Proper Oversight of Chapter 90 Funds, December 2020.