"Nassau County - Long Island, New York"

Mineola, NY- Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos released his audit of the Friends of Nassau County Recreation, a not-for-profit organization, and found extensive management and operational issues which compromises their mission and their very existence. An immediate overhaul of the organization is needed to ensure that its important mission is maintained and donor funds are protected.

“We are pleased that Tom Hesson, the Executive Director of the group, has agreed to immediately implement the audit recommendations in order to restore the legal standing of Friends of Nassau County Recreation, its management integrity and protect donor funds,” said Comptroller George Maragos. “The organization is vital to the quality of life in the enjoyment of our parks and hosting the many public entertainment and social fundraising events.”

The mission of the organization is to foster appreciation of Nassau County parks and to encourage their usage for leisure and recreational purposes. In 2011, Friends of Nassau County Recreation took in approximately $900,000 in fees from various sponsored events such as the Long Island Marathon, 9/11 Memorial, African American Museum and Center for Education and Applied Arts, Aquatics, Baseball/Softball, the Car Show, the County Executive Soccer Cup and many others.

The major findings included violations of the organization’s Corporate Charter and Bylaws, not filing their 2011 Form 990 on a timely basis, which compromised their status as a not-for-profit organization, insufficient cash controls and non-compliance with IRS rules in requiring W-9 or issuing 1099 forms. Other finding were that the Memorandum of Agreement between the County and Friends needs to be renewed, which allows County employees to assist, and the creation of a procedures manual that includes cash controls to help ensure the ongoing successful operation needed for recreational activities.

MARAGOS: Not-For-Profit Group Needs Management Overhaul