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TRENTON—A follow-up review finds that Brookdale Community College made “substantial progress” in correcting financial deficiencies identified three years ago, according to a report by the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC).

OSC’s initial 2022 audit found that Brookdale had weak financial controls and oversight, which led to $790,000 in unauthorized or improper spending. OSC identified issues with 77 percent of the transactions reviewed, including missing documentation and receipts. Additionally, OSC found that Brookdale awarded a lucrative contract without following public transparency requirements.

The follow-up review, released today, finds that of the 11 recommendations OSC made, only one was not implemented at all. Nine were fully implemented, and another was partially implemented.

Overall, OSC found that Brookdale ensured that its policies and practices regarding health benefit opt-out waivers, cell phone allowances, procurement, and other expenditures complied with the law.

The 2022 audit found, for instance, that thousands of dollars in out-of-state travel and catering events were billed and paid for without any details or documentation. OSC’s 2025 follow-up finds that Brookdale updated its policies and procedures and trained current staff, as recommended. OSC reviewed 20 transactions and found no significant issues.

OSC also found that Brookdale followed the recommendation to strengthen the cell phone allowance policy so that only critical staff received allowances. As a result, the number of employees receiving allowances dropped from 21 to four.

OSC found Brookdale did not formally revise its overtime policies to ensure they comply with the law and urged it to do so.

Read the report.

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To report government fraud, waste, mismanagement, or corruption, file a complaint with OSC or call 1-855-OSC-TIPS.