N.J comptroller finds $300,000 in overcharges for hauling Sandy debris

An investigation by the State Comptroller has determined that nine New Jersey towns were overcharged for the removal of Sandy debris.

Comptroller Matt Boxer says three debris-monitoring firms mistakenly calculated the miles traveled for the Florida-based company Ashbritt to transport debris to the Ocean County landfill.

“This is vitally important in terms of getting this right for the state because what we’re taking about here is the rebuilding of New Jersey and the rebuilding of people’s homes and their lives,” Boxer said Tuesday. “Every dollar matters here. So it’s important to get this precisely correct.”

There is no evidence of intentional overbilling, Boxer said. And the vendors have agreed to credit the towns for the $300,000 in erroneous charges.

Boxer recommended adding protective language to the debris-removal contracts to clarify exactly which charges are appropriate.