Creating job of comptroller could be on ballot this fall
TOWN OF ULSTER, N.Y. » An online public hearing will be held Thursday about the possibility of creating the position of town comptroller.
The hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. For information about how to participate, go to bit.ly/town-ulster.
Town Supervisor James Quigley, who was chief financial officer for Rothschild Realty Management LLC in New York City before being elected Ulster’s leader in 2009, favors having a town comptroller.
“Over the last 12 years, I’ve demonstrated the benefits to the town of having an individual involved that has sophisticated financial knowledge,” Quigley said. “I think it’s time that the town recognize that it’s not a small town anymore and that we move into the future . ...
“There is going to be a day when I’m not here,” he said. “Preparing for that eventuality by bringing someone in who has a financial background and giving me some time to work with them will work well for the town in the future.”
Creating the position of town comptroller would require approval by the public because “it modifies the powers of the Town Board,” Quigley said.
A referendum could be on the ballot this fall.
“Currently, the Town Board is required to audit claims on a monthly basis before the payment of bills,” Quigley said. “The appointment of the comptroller relieves the Town Board of the audit function. It makes it an administrative task as opposed to being a task of an elected official.”