Nonotuck Resource Associates Inc.

This is a Massachusetts State Auditor performance audit of Nonotuck Resource Associates Inc., a Northampton nonprofit human-service agency, covering July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015.

“Nonotuck Resource Associates Inc., founded in 1972, is a not-for-profit human-service agency located in Northampton.”

The auditor reviewed whether Nonotuck followed selected laws, regulations, and contract rules, especially because it receives much of its money from state agencies and MassHealth.

“The purpose of our audit was to determine whether Nonotuck complied with certain laws, regulations, and contractual requirements in the areas reviewed.”

The audit matters because state-funded human-service contracts are supposed to be transparent, accountable, and cost-effective.

“This audit was conducted as part of OSA’s ongoing efforts to audit human-service contracting activity by state agencies and to promote accountability, transparency, and cost-effectiveness in state contracting.”

If you are a Massachusetts taxpayer or someone who depends on state-funded care programs, this report shows whether public money was properly controlled and used for services.

“Further, this $4,304 could have been used by the state agencies that contract with Nonotuck to pay for program-related expenses for needy citizens.”

Nonotuck generally provided human services, but the auditor found weaknesses in contract administration, personnel-file documentation, and reporting of nonreimbursable costs.

“Nonotuck did not properly administer its consultant contracting process.”

The auditor recommended that Nonotuck strengthen policies, put consultant agreements in writing, keep required caregiver documents on file, and work with the state on whether to repay or refile the $4,304 issue.

“Nonotuck should collaborate with OSD to determine whether Nonotuck should repay the unallowable $4,304 or refile its fiscal year 2014 UFR and properly classify the salary and alcohol as nonreimbursable costs.”

The findings are significant because Nonotuck served people across Massachusetts and received most of its funding from state sources, so weak controls affected publicly funded services.

“Nonotuck receives the majority of its funding from Commonwealth agencies.”

Adult foster care means eligible elderly or disabled MassHealth members get help with daily tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, walking, household chores, transportation, and medication management.

“The Adult Foster Care Program provides elderly or disabled MassHealth members with assistance in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).”