For More Information Contact:
Alana Sawchuk, Executive Assistant
comptroller@dutchessny.gov
(845) 486-2050
Dutchess County Comptroller Gregg Pulver has announced the completion and release of an audit of the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DCSPCA) for the period of January 1, 2021-December 31, 2023. The DCSPCA is not affiliated with the national organization, the ASPCA, nor are they affiliated with Dutchess County government. The County contracts with the DCSPCA, with funding provided by several Dutchess County agencies for the specified audit period. Total funding for the contracts reviewed by the Comptroller’s Office for the years 2021-2023 was $355,218.
Additionally, the Comptroller’s Office reviewed internal financial and procedural controls within the DCSPCA, finding that certain corporate by-laws were not followed in pursuit of hiring an independent contractor following the termination of a previous agreement. In April 2022 the Board of Directors approved the use of a new construction management and general contracting firm owned by one of its members without engaging in a formal bidding process. That firm was paid $275,785 in 2023 without a signed contract.
“While there has been no explicit evidence of intentional wrongdoing in this case, the DCSPCA needs to adhere to its by-laws for the best interest of the agency, the animals, and Dutchess County residents.” said Comptroller Pulver. “I’m confident that Executive Director Meloccaro and her staff will abide by our recommendations and be more transparent moving forward.”
The full report can be found here (.pdf).
