2023‐010 Procurement (Material Weakness/ Material Non‐Compliance): Since taking
office in fiscal year 2024, the current Finance Director has implemented a Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) in alignment with the Procurement Policy adopted in 2022 to ensure compliance
with the State Procurement Code,...
2023‐010 Procurement (Material Weakness/ Material Non‐Compliance): Since taking
office in fiscal year 2024, the current Finance Director has implemented a Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) in alignment with the Procurement Policy adopted in 2022 to ensure compliance
with the State Procurement Code, internal controls, and the proper segregation of duties in
procurement. This SOP outlines the specific roles and responsibilities of the Certified
Procurement Officer (CPO), Finance Director, City Manager, and City Council when applicable
in the procurement process.
In addition, a procurement workflow has been created to be utilized by the (CPO) to ensure
compliance with the City of Espanola’s procurement policy, the State Procurement Code, and
appropriate checks and balances at varying thresholds. The (CPO) is responsible for ensuring all
policies and state procurement laws are followed throughout the process. Additionally, all
documentation from initiation to the issuance of a Purchase Order (PO) is retained electronically
in a complete packet for record-keeping and audit purposes.
In order to address direct payment voucher controls, the City has restricted the use of direct
payment vouchers for high-volume purchases. All procurements must follow the purchase order
process, unless an exception is authorized in accordance with policy. The finance department has
also implemented issuing procurement violations to any department head or staff who authorizes a
purchase in the absence of an approved purchase order, which aligns with the 2022 Adopted
Procurement Policy.
By enforcing these measures, the City ensures procurement policy compliance, transparency, and
financial accountability, thereby addressing the audit findings and preventing future violations.