Press Releases

Comptroller notes deficiencies in fiscal operations at the Municipality of Vieques

San Juan, Puerto Rico (July 29, 2026) — The Comptroller of Puerto Rico, CPA and Attorney Carmen Vega Fournier, reported today the results of a compliance audit of the Municipality of Vieques, in which fiscal deficiencies were identified in the contracting, award and disbursement processes.  The audit examined operations carried out between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2022 and issued a qualified opinion related to four findings noted in the Report.

The first finding reveals that the Municipality improperly paid $265,168 for services that were rendered prior to the execution and effective date of the contract.  Deficiencies were also detected in the notifications of the bidding process.

In addition, the second finding shows that the Municipality made advance payments of $183,376 for the installation of a floating dock that has not resulted in a benefit to the public interest.  The auditors made three visits to the location where the dock was to be installed and found no evidence demonstrating its installation, whether total or partial.  Some parts were found in a lot adjacent to the municipal headquarters; however, they could not verify that these were complete, and observed that they were covered in brush.  Other parts were on a lot where trailers belonging to the contractor were located, where the contractor stored the parts still pending installation, although he could not specify the quantity in his custody.  These situations resulted in a referral to the Department of Justice.  In addition, the report reveals a lack of administrative controls, in that no file was maintained on the development of the project, and important information was missing from the disbursement voucher.

The third finding presents more than $27,000 paid in salaries for personnel transactions carried out during the electoral freeze period without the authorization of OATRH, along with other deficiencies related to personnel transactions.

The auditors examined the informative returns in the Integrated Solution for Advanced Municipalities (SIMA) system and found that the Municipality did not withhold taxes of $32,603 for services rendered. The Municipality was unable to provide them with the Certificate of Total or Partial Waiver of Withholding at Source on Payments for Services Rendered by Corporations and Partnerships corresponding to 2021.  In addition, the official paymaster did not prepare the informative return for a payment of $183,376 to a contractor.  This situation was referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.

This report contains a special comment revealing more than $36,000 in revenue not earned by the Municipality from the lease of municipal property.  Nor had it initiated proceedings to terminate the contract for non-payment or an eviction action, while the lessee continues to use the property. Audit Report OC-27-10 is available at www.ocpr.gov.pr.