Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos released his follow-up audit of Peace Valley Haven, a not-for-profit that provides emergency shelter to homeless men and women. The audit found a continued lack of compliance with the Nassau County Living Wage Law. The original audit, released in April of 2013, found 26 employees were underpaid a combined $120,000 during 2010 and 2011. This audit found eight of 26 employees were still owed $11,238. In addition, the hourly rate mandated by the Living Wage Law was not paid to six employees who were owed, $3,381 in wages for 2013 and nine were owed $13,354 for overtime work performed in 2012-2013.
“It is disturbing to find that employees who provide a crucial service to our most needy were still not being paid fairly according to our law,” said Comptroller Maragos. “My office will ensure that these employees are fully compensated in accordance with the County Living Wage Law.”
The affected employees consisted primarily of house managers and clerical staff. In response to the audit, Peace Valley stated that beginning this month they would begin to pay their employees $17 an hour which is more than the current living wage of $15.50 an hour and proof of repayment to all affected employees would be provided to auditors.
The Nassau County Living Wage Law was enacted by the Nassau County Legislature in 2006 to raise the minimum wage of County employees and employees working for most of the County’s contractors. The Comptroller’s Office is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Law. The Living Wage is currently $15.50 an hour without health benefits, or $13.58 with health benefits.
Connect with Nassau County Comptroller Maragos Online:
http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Comptroller/index.html