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Trumbull transit has plan to correct audit finding

WARREN — The Trumbull County Transit Board was found to have a “significant deficiency” for not auditing the collection of rider fees by its third-party vendor, but the problem has been remedied with a corrective action plan, according to an audit of the board’s finances by the state.

Fares charged to users of the transit system vary, depending on whether the rider is a veteran, his or her age and where he or she lives.

Any member of the general public living in Niles, Howland, McDonald, Girard, Cortland or Warren can schedule a ride with the transit system for $4 one way. People living in those communities who are 60 or older, ages 2 to 12, or living with a disability can take a one-way ride for $1.50.

People living in Trumbull County, but outside of the previously listed communities, can arrange a one-way ride for $8; riders 60 or older pay $2; and people age 2 to 12 or who have a disability can take a one-way ride for $4.

The audit of the board’s 2016 and 2017 books only noted the board — comprised of seven unpaid members appointed by Trumbull County commissioners — had no method to ensure the amount of fares reported collected by the board’s contractor equal the amount actually collected, the audit report states.

“While the fiscal officer reviews the amounts deposited by the third-party administrator and compares them to the related invoices, this does not provide sufficient assurance,” the report states.

The contractor that runs the latch-key system, Community Bus Services, hands over the fares collected by paying passengers to the board. The company is paid by the board from a mix of revenue, including numerous federal and state grants and money from communities that pay upfront to subsidize the rides for their residents — like in Niles, Howland, McDonald, Girard, Cortland and Warren.

The audit recommended the board require a “Type Two” report — a report generated by an independent, certified public accountant that offers detailed information and assurance about the controls from a service provider.

“The transit board has approached the current service provider and they have agreed to have an examination of their internal controls and to provide an unmodified (report) for the year ending Dec. 31, 2018. Going forward, the contractor, as part of their contract, will be required to undergo an examination of controls of the service organization and must provide the transit board with an unmodified (report),” states the corrective action plan from Michael Salamone, the Trumbull County transit administrator.

To arrange a ride with the system, call 330-369-2600 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. up to a week in advance. Rides are offered from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

rfox@tribtoday.com

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