COMPTROLLER ELLIOTT AUERBACH COUNTY OF ULSTER

PO BOX 1800 KINGSTON, NEW YORK 12402

IN THE CARDS
COUNTYS USE OF CREDIT CARDS PROVE TO BE AN EFFECTIVE, COST SAVINGS ALTERNATIVE

KINGSTON, NY (April 11, 2013)An analysis of 357 transactions totaling $89,392 indicates that procurement (credit) card purchases are relatively problem free and could be the basis for cost savings for future county acquisitions. Currently fourteen units of county government carry thirty-two JP Morgan Chase Procurement Cards or P-Cards that have been used to purchase everything from legal reference manuals and select office supplies to electronic equipment and business travel. Annual expenses per department/office range from $0 to over $18,000. The Review of Procedures for 2012 found that in the majority of cases, the internal controls were reasonable and adequate and procedures were followed. P-Cards are being used by a variety of local and state governments as a way to remove the cumbersome red tape that is associated with the normal purchasing procedures. The U.S. Government found that while purchases under $2,500 accounted for 85% of all expenditures it comprised only 2% of spending. As administrative costs of such small purchases often exceed the actual dollars spent, the use of P-Cards proves to be a practical, economical alternative to the use of purchase orders. The Report can be found online at: http://www.ulstercountyny.gov/comptroller/Reviews.html Office of the Comptroller (845) 340-3525 Email- eaue@co.ulster.ny.us

The mission of the Ulster County Comptrollers Office is to serve as an independent agency of the people and to protect the public interest by monitoring County government and to assess and report on the degree to which its operation is economical, efficient and its financial condition sound.