Daniel Zuckerman is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media according to an audit by the state Comptroller's Office, the Coxsackie-Athens school district failed to seek competition for professional services during the 2016-17 school year. The report, released Dec. 20, was based on data dating from July 1, 2016 to March 27, 2018. According to state officials, the district did not seek competition for professional service providers such as specialized teachers and therapy, and environmental and financial consulting. “Although the services procured were for legitimate and appropriate purposes, district officials and the board lack assurance that these services are procured in the most economical way, in the best interests of taxpayers and without favoritism,” the report found. Also, the district did not require written documentation for purchases from a total of 15 public works contract vendors, totaling nearly $119,000, according to the report. The findings of the audit were fair and district staff will comply with the suggestions the Comptroller’s office made, Coxsackie-Athens Superintendent Randall Squier said. “We utilized their suggestions to make improvements in our business office,” Squier said. “All of those practices and improvements are in place at this point.” Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.