Cuomo gives SUNY audit power to comptroller in wake of ‘Buffalo Billion’ scandal

ALBANY — Gov. Cuomo made good Friday on an agreement restoring the state comptroller’s pre-audit powers over economic development projects tied to the state and New York City university systems — following corruption scandals that led to major convictions, including that of former top aide Joe Percoco.

The agreement empowers Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office to oversee SUNY and CUNY contracts priced $250,000 and up, according to a memo between the governor and comptroller’s offices. 

The Office of General Services will review contracts set at $85,000 and greater.

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“Implementation of the agreement between the governor and the comptroller is an important step forward in enhancing accountability in state contracting,” said a DiNapoli spox. 

The deal had been stalled since January.

But last week Cuomo promised the negotiation was coming, calling himself “a man of my word,” during a NY1 interview.

The comptroller’s office has been stripped of the power since 2011, following an understanding between Cuomo and the Legislature.

But a sea of scandal resulted in prison terms for top SUNY official Alain Kaloyeros, the “Buffalo Billion” mastermind involved with corrupt donor contractors, and Percoco, who Cuomo once likened to a brother.

“Taxpayers should cheer about this step toward greater oversight of state spending. Our hope is that the next step is to turn this voluntary agreement into law,” said government watchdog Blair Horner, of the New York Public Interest Research Group. 

The agreement goes into effect in 30 days.