NYC Comptroller takes action following ,000 SUV purchase for Probation Department commissioner.

The New York City Comptroller’s office has mandated that the Department of Probation secure prior approval for specific contracts after allegations emerged that the department violated city procurement regulations. The scrutiny follows reports regarding the procurement of a luxury vehicle for Commissioner Juanita Holmes, specifically a taxpayer-funded Ford Expedition Platinum valued at ,000.

Documentation reveals that the Probation Department circumvented established city guidelines which stipulate that vehicle purchases intended to utilize minority and woman-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) should be facilitated through the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). Despite the Mayor’s office approving the purchase, the Comptroller’s office has expressed concerns over the department’s compliance with these regulations.

On June 25, the Comptroller’s office communicated in a letter to Probation’s General Counsel Bridget Hamblin that it would revoke the agency’s authority to self-register contracts with M/WBE businesses. This decision stemmed from a determination that the purchase of the Ford Expedition, executed under the M/WBE small purchase method, did not align with procurement laws.

Charlotte Hamamgian, Deputy Comptroller for Contracts, indicated that DCAS explicitly forbids agencies from employing the M/WBE small purchase method for vehicle acquisitions below the .5 million threshold, asserting that only DCAS has the authority to execute such transactions.

The Probation Department has faced additional scrutiny, with reports indicating that the agency has frequently failed to register M/WBE contracts in a timely manner. Notably, a significant contract for security services had commenced work prior to receiving formal approval, raising further questions about adherence to procurement protocols.

In response to inquiries regarding the Comptroller’s actions, Probation spokesperson Regina Graham asserted that the department has not had its ability to self-register all contracts revoked and maintained that the procurement process adhered to legal protocols. She emphasized that vehicles procured for public safety agency commissioners are essential for their operational safety and aligned with standard purchasing practices.

The review of the SUV purchase was initially triggered by media coverage documenting its acquisition and subsequent modifications at a Long Island firm to add emergency lights and a siren package.

Holmes, who was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams in March 2023, has had a contentious tenure marked by challenges within the department, including high turnover rates among personnel. As scrutiny intensifies over procurement practices within the Department of Probation, the agency is now under closer examination to ensure full compliance with established city regulations.

The implications of this matter extend beyond individual contract approvals, reflecting a broader concern regarding transparency and accountability within municipal procurement processes. As the Comptroller’s office increases oversight, the city’s commitment to uphold proper governance and ethical standards in public spending remains paramount.