State audit suggests that Lewis County IDA overpaid more than $300,000 for general administrative and staff support services

LOWVILLE- An audit from the New York State Comptroller’s Office suggests that the Lewis County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has overpaid more than $300,000 for general administrative and staff support services.

Officials say the IDA board had an agreement with Naturally Lewis Inc. for the last quarter of 2023 and 2024.

Keep in mind, Naturally Lewis is now a not-for-profit corporation.

Findings from the audit accuse the IDA board of not ensuring the fees paid to Naturally Lewis were accurately calculated and paid, per the set agreements.

As a result, the state says the IDA apparently overpaid $316,597 for the services – that is 172% more than what the agreements originally had.

IDA Chairman Joe Lawrence and Naturally Lewis Executive Director Brittany Davis have reportedly accepted the state’s findings and claimed the audit was a “great learning experience.”

We plan on reaching out for a follow up with Naturally Lewis.

***Read the full audit report***

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